UK engine-maker Rolls-Royce has secured a £9m deal to fit two ships supporting offshore oil and gas drilling in the US with propulsion and control systems.
The deal with marine firm Jackson Offshore Operators will see it equip the commercial ships being built by BAE Systems‘ shipyard in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Rolls-Royce propulsion system will feature two Azipull propulsion thrusters to offer efficient propulsion and manoeuvring on higher speed vessels and tunnel thrusters to reduce tip speed.
Lee Jackson, CEO of Jackson Offshore Operators explained that “there are efficiencies gained during the build process through the use of a single source supplier of major ship systems.”
“The operating profile of the vessels with a Low-Voltage Active Front End Diesel Electric Power System and Azipull propulsion thrusters is extremely fuel efficient, yielding reduced exhaust emissions and economic benefits to our clients,” he said.
The ships will enter into service in 2014 with growing demand in the US supporting the company while Governments in North America and Europe cut defence spending.
BAE Systems employs 630 people in Jacksonville and expects to take on another 250 workers in 2013 with increased demand from the oil and gas sector.
Rolls-Royce will provide on-site advisory services, planning and commissioning as part of the deal.
Said Anders Almestad, president of Rolls-Royce’s offshore division commented that the company is keen to demonstrate how maximum value will be gained by “customers through early and close engagement when designing and commissioning a highly complex integrated systems package.”
