The company was chosen by Team Resolute consortium. Delivery of its electric propulsion equipment for the first FSS ship is scheduled for 2025

Team Resolute consortium has chosen GE Vernova‘s Power Conversion business to supply advanced hybrid propulsion technology for three Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to enhance UK naval operations’ efficiency and sustainability.

Team Resolute was created by Spanish shipbuilder and defence company Navantia, shipbuilder Harland & Wolff and naval architects BMT to deliver the FSS program, for which Navantia UK is the prime contractor.

Under the contract, GE Vernova will design and manufacture SeaPulse Active Front-End (AFE) power converters and Power Take-Off/Power Take-In (PTI/PTO) hybrid electric induction motor generators with resilient shock mounts and flexible coupling and hosing. The scope of GE Vernova’s contract also includes commissioning, testing, sea trials, certification, and integrated logistics support (ILS) services to help ensure the seamless integration of the hybrid-electric propulsion technology into the FSS ships. The delivery of GE Vernova’s electric propulsion equipment for the first FSS ship is scheduled for 2025, with the second and third vessels planned for 2026 and 2027.

The design of the 216-meter-long ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) also aims to minimise carbon emissions, as the vessels will be equipped with energy-efficient technologies to decrease power consumption and be sustainable energy sources. In this context, GE Vernova’s advanced hybrid-electric propulsion technology is expected to play a pivotal role by helping to optimise energy efficiency, power utilisation, and power availability for the UK’s new ship class and their multi-role missions.

“The selection of suppliers for FSS ships’ key equipment, such as propulsion technology, is a clear indication that the program is well on track and is aligned with the timetable required by the UK MoD”, said Juan de la Cueva, CEO of Navantia UK.

“Navantia UK and our partners in the Team Resolute consortium for FSS are proud to partner with GE Vernova, a company which is focused on cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency and decarbonisation, as well as supporting UK advanced engineering skills,” he added.

“GE Vernova’s rich background in naval engineering, exemplified by its contributions to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s Tide Class fleet tankers, establishes the business as a reliable partner for this important program”, added Andy Cooper, managing director of GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business, UK. “We’re honoured to collaborate with Navantia UK and Team Resolute in electrification technology for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. We are confident that our advanced hybrid-electric propulsion technology will enhance the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s operational efficiency, aligning with the UK’s commitment to sustainability.”

GE Vernova has supported the Royal Navy with world-class technology for three decades. The UK MOD’s FSS program is critical in enhancing and strengthening the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s capabilities. The programme is in line with the UK Government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh, which aims to drive social and economic growth, foster a resilient local supply chain, and bolster the nation’s shipbuilding capacity.