GE Marine reports that the first frigate Aquitaine of the Italian-French FREMM program was recently launched at DCNS’ shipyard in Lorient, France. The ship is powered by the GE LM2500+G4 gas turbine-based propulsion system. Aquitaine sea trials were successfully completed in May 2011. Construction continues on the first Italian Navy FREMM Bergamini, with initial start of the LM2500+G4 gas turbine propulsion system expected within the next few months.
FREMM marks the initial application in the marine sector for the LM2500+G4 aeroderivative gas turbine, which has 11% more power with respect to the previous model and the best overall power density available. The LM2500 gas turbine family is used by 31 navies worldwide and was chosen for another Italian-French program, the Horizon-class frigates, as well as for the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour. The gas turbines were manufactured at GE’s Evendale, Ohio, facility, and the propulsion system was supplied by GE Marine System Supplier Avio under GE license.