Innovative Propulsion Solution a First for German Navy

Damen Naval and RENK have signed a contract covering supply of gearboxes and innovative electric propulsion systems for four new F126-class frigates for the German Navy. RENK has a history of cooperation with the German Navy that goes back decades, and a longstanding relationship with Damen Naval that includes the construction of frigates and offshore patrol vessels for the navies of the Netherlands, Mexico, Morocco, and Indonesia.

The new propulsion system represents one key difference between the future F126 and older frigate models: the combined diesel electric and diesel (CODLAD) propulsion system provides a top speed of more than 26 knots. RENK’s sophisticated gearboxes simultaneously connect each diesel engine with its drive shaft. The company is not only supplying the gearbox but also the RENK advanced electric drives (AED) – advanced electric propulsion motors that drive the propellers either individually or together with the diesel engine. This is the first time the German Navy is employing this propulsion concept.

The CODLAD configuration offers a proven and ideal combination of increased power density, noise reduction through soft elastic bearings and flexible couplings, as well as low weight and low installation height. The second evolutionary stage of the AED will now be installed on the F 126 frigates. RENK has optimised significant aspects of the drive system for naval applications. As a consequence, the design meets the low noise levels specified by the German Navy. This makes the new frigates difficult to detect, particularly in the lower speed range covered by the AED.

RENK manufactures the gearbox and drive components for the F126 with a high degree of German added value. As an established supplier to the Navy, RENK has been closely involved in the F126 project since the initial project studies. In June 2020, the BAAINBw ultimately awarded the construction contract for the four ships to Damen as the general contractor. Damen Naval will deliver the approximately 166m frigates to the German Navy as general contractor together with its sub-contractors Blohm + Voss and Thales. The ships will be constructed entirely in Germany at shipyards in Wolgast, Kiel and Hamburg. The first ship will be handed over in Hamburg in 2028. The contract includes an option for two further frigates.