French Navy New Sub Fleet to be Powered by GE

GE Oil & Gas has been selected by DCNS to provide the turbo-generators and propulsion turbines for the French Navy’s new fleet of six nuclear submarines, which are scheduled to enter service between 2016 and 2027. DCNS, the European leader in naval defense systems, recently awarded Thermodyn, the Le Creusot-based turbo-machinery division of GE Oil & Gas, a contract to provide two turbo- generators and one propulsion turbine for the Suffren, the first of the six submarines ordered under an initial contract as well as for each of the other five ships ordered under optional contracts. The turbo-generator- rectifiers will supply electric power to the propulsion and to the auxiliary systems. GE’s propulsion turbine, which drives the propeller, will supply the required mechanical power to the submarine when at top speed. These condensing-type turbines are highly customized to address the French Navy’s specific requirements, including very low noise and vibration levels, to provide the submarine with maximum speed and stealth capabilities. GE’s project partner, Jeumont Electric, is supplying the generator-rectifier equipment for the turbo-generators. DCNS is the prime contractor for the overall Barracuda submarine fleet project and the partner of Areva TA, which is the prime contractor for the shipboard nuclear power plant. The first Barracuda-class submarine, the Suffren, is scheduled to enter service in 2016.