German company Rolls-Royce will supply 14 MTU diesel engines for the seven new multi-purpose ocean-going patrol vessels that are being built by Fincantieri for the Italian Navy (Marina Militare Italiana).
The Pattugliatori Polivalenti d’Altura (PPA) class surface vessels form part of the Navy’s Fleet renewal plan.
Each of the type 20V 8000 M91L engines produce 10,000kW of power and will be shipped starting next year.
The MTU brand, which is part of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, will also provide servicing for the engines.
MTU Marine and Government Business head Knut Müller said: “We’re delighted to be supplying to Fincantieri, a major player in the shipbuilding arena, our highest-powered MTU engines for this prestige project for the Italian Navy.
“The order demonstrates once again that Series 8000 engines are really setting the standards in this segment with their high-power density, low emissions and demonstrated economy.”
These PPA class vessels, with new multi-module design replace patrol boats, corvettes and frigates, and can undertake various tasks and missions, including traditional naval activities as well as humanitarian assignments.
The propulsion system of each vessel has two MTU diesel engines, which have the capability to power the vessels above 24k in diesel mode.
Rolls-Royce plans to deliver the first new multi-purpose patrol vessel in 2021, and six more by 2026.
The latest project is a result of Italy’s Navy Act, for which the government is providing €5.4bn to modernise the country’s naval fleet.
The investment programme also includes an order for the construction of a landing helicopter deck (LHD) multi-purpose amphibious vessel.
Image: The PPA class surface vessels form part of the Navy’s Fleet renewal plan. Photo: courtesy of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG.
