LONDON -- Rolls-Royce has been selected to supply its MT30 gas turbine to power a new class of frigates for the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). Japan becomes the fifth nation to select the MT30 for a major naval ship building program.
"Japan’s selection of the MT30 is very significant and means that the three largest users of marine gas turbines, have all endorsed the capabilities of the MT30 and selected it to power significant future programs," said Sam Cameron, Rolls-Royce, senior vice president - Defence. "The MT30 is the world’s most power dense marine gas turbine in service today, a key feature for naval ships where high power in minimum space, whilst meeting the operational power demands of the future, is essential. The increased demand for power by the world’s navies is a clear trend and for Japan we will deliver a power rating in excess of 40 megawatts, the highest so far for this gas turbine unrestricted by global climate conditions."
Construction of the first of the 30FFM class frigates will begin next year, with entry into service expected around 2022.
The MT30 recently powered the UK Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth during a program of successful sea trials. It is also powering the US Navy’s Freedom Class variant of the Littoral Combat Ship, and their new DDG-1000 destroyers. The Republic of Korea Navy’s first FFXII frigate, powered by a single MT30, entered service earlier this year and Italy has selected the engine for its new Landing Helicopter Dock program.