Rolls-Royce Signs $49m Deal

Rolls-Royce has signed a contract with SE Shipping in Singapore covering the supply of integrated equipment systems for four large heavy lift vessels. The value of the contract is about £24 million. In addition come options for systems for a further eight vessels which could triple the order value.

The final customer is Suzlon Energy in India, one of the world's largest suppliers of wind turbines. Suzlon will use the vessels primarily for transporting wind turbine components worlwide. "This contract is a very important one for us,” says Birger Myklebust, President for the Merchant business in Rolls-Royce. "It is a good example of the way in which the relationship between ship owner, supplier and shipyard is changing. Partnership with large equipment system suppliers such as Rolls-Royce gives customers the opportunity to increase effectiveness, make better use of new technology and achieve a better division of risk."

From the autumn of 2009 Rolls-Royce will start a delivery programme of diesel engines, CP propulsion, tunnel thrusters, generator sets, steering gear and rudders, deck machinery, integrated bridge, switchboards and automation as an integrated system.

These 45,000 dwt heavy lift vessels are of Polarconsult PK148 design, and will be built at two Chinese shipyards. Although mainly intended for shipping wind turbine parts, they will be equipped with cranes to allow them to move other heavy cargo, especially as return loads.