Rolls-Royce Plc reports it has been contracted by Fincantieri to supply two MT30 gas turbine engines for a new, 20,000-mt Landing Helicopter Deck (LHD) multi-purpose amphibious vessel. Fincantieri - Cantieri Navali Italiani SpA is a state-owned shipbuilder based in Trieste that is building the new vessel under a new re-investment program conceived to renew the Italian fleet.
The Rolls-Royce MT30 (Marine Turbine) is a marine gas turbine engine based on the Rolls-Royce Trent 800 aero engine design. It has a maximum power rating of 40 MW and minimum efficient power 25 MW. It has been chosen to power the British Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and Type 26 Global Combat Ship; and the U.S. Navy’s DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers and Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ships, which are built by Fincantieri Marine Group, a U.S. subsidiary of the Italian shipbuilder.
LHD is a “hull classification symbol” used by the U.S. Navy and NATO allied navies for multipurpose amphibious assault ships, which are capable of operating helicopters and also feature a well deck, i.e., a hangar-like dock at the water-line that can be flooded so that boats or amphibious vessels can dock “within” the larger vessel. LHD vessels also have a full flight deck, similar to an aircraft carrier, to operate utility and attack helicopters.
“We’re delighted the MT30, the most powerful marine gas turbine in operation today, has been selected for this prestigious ship,” according to Don Roussinos, president – Naval for Rolls-Royce. “We are also very pleased that the MT30 has penetrated another new market, which is indicative of the confidence placed in the engine’s design and performance by Fincantieri.”
“We’re extremely proud that our MT30 will be powering the new Landing Helicopter Deck and look forward to working with Fincantieri and the Italian Navy on this program,” he added.
