Imtech (technical services provider in Europe and in the global maritime market) has been awarded a design & build contract for the high-tech climate technology aboard the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers being built for the British Royal Navy. The order represents a value of more than 118 million British pounds (about 130 million euro). The ships, which are 280 metres long, are the largest naval ships ever to be built in the UK. René van der Bruggen, CEO of Imtech: ‘Imtech was able to satisfy the Royal Navy’s strict requirements, both in terms of technology and references demonstrating our ability to equip ships of this size with high-tech climate technology. This order is a confirmation of our know-how and expertise in the field of naval technology. Moreover, it makes an important contribution to the long-term continuity of our marine business.’
Design & build The two aircraft carriers are about 65,000 tons each, a size between the American ‘Nimitz class’ and the French ‘Charles de Gaulle class’. The high-tech design & build order is a direct order from Babcock Marine, a member of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance. The order comprises a total solution for the technical design, engineering, equipment, supply, installation and set-up of all HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) on board both of the ships. The order was awarded to the German business unit Imtech Schiffbau-/Dockbautechnik. A sizeable share of the activities will be performed in co-operation with the English business unit Imtech Marine UK, which recently has executed several other projects for the British Royal Navy. Both business units are part of the Imtech Marine Group, Imtech’s marine division. The ships are being built at five English shipyards with final assembly at Rosyth, Scotland. HMS Queen Elizabeth is scheduled to enter service by 2016 and HMS Prince of Wales will follow two years later.
Experience counts For decades, Imtech has been a leading, innovative partner for HVAC technology aboard naval ships, both for new-build projects as well as conversions, maintenance and services. Since 2005, Imtech has been involved with the predesign, pre-engineering and technical design of the two aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy. Imtech is one of the few technical companies in the marine market to possess extensive knowledge of high-tech, complex, full-scope HVAC project implementation, including logistics. As a result, Imtech is the European market leader in full-scope HVAC solutions aboard large cruise ships up to over 350 metres long. In recent years, Imtech has worked on HVAC technology on board German, Dutch, English, Spanish, Polish and Australian frigates, supply ships and corvettes. Imtech is currently working on sustainable HVAC technology on board four new German F125 frigates.