Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has received its first order for vessels based on the Group’s award-winning, highly efficient, Environship concept.
Rolls-Royce will design and provide integrated power and propulsion systems for two technologically advanced cargo vessels, which have been purchased by Norwegian transportation company, Nor Lines AS.
These highly efficient ships incorporate a striking wave piercing bow, world leading gas powered engines and an innovative Promas propulsion system, which combined, significantly improve the overall performance of the vessel – increasing fuel efficiency by up to 18 per cent. It also provides numerous environmental benefits, including the virtual elimination of SOx and reduction of CO2 emissions by more than 40 per cent compared to similar conventional vessels.
The two Rolls-Royce NVC 405 cargo vessels will be built at the Tsuji Heavy Industries ship yard in Jiangsu, China. The vessels will enter service from October 2013, operating along the West Coast of Norway. Toralf Ekrheim, Nor Lines, CEO said: “ We have had a fruitful cooperation with Rolls-Royce for more than two years, developing vessels that are tailor made for our trade and incorporate the latest award-winning energy saving and emission reducing features .”
Oddbjørn Eliassen, Rolls-Royce, President – Merchant said: “ The Environship concept is a transformational development for merchant shipping, offering significant reductions in fuel burn and emissions, as well as enhanced performance at sea.
“ This order demonstrates that customers are embracing more environmentally friendly ship designs and technology. Rolls-Royce is best placed to provide ship designs and integrated power and propulsion systems that deliver tangible improvements in operational efficiency and ship performance, along with a significant reduction in environmental impact .”
The contract is for two ships, and includes options to build an additional two vessels of the same design. Rolls-Royce is already using the Environship concept to develop a wide range of other efficient ship designs, including passenger ferries, chemical tankers, gas tankers, bulk carriers, and superyachts.
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Source: Rolls-Royce, October 4, 2011