When I first read this report from MarineLink, what I concentrated on was the generator capacity to be included in the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC), four 1,000 KW generators. Second time around I noticed reference to “Promas rudders,” and was curious enough to look it up and found it very interesting.
Here is a short pdf from Rolls-Royce explaining the claimed advantages of this system in terms of increased maneuverability, speed, and fuel economy.
They also claim decreased noise. Anything that improves the hydrodynamic efficiency of a ship probably also cuts down on its self noise, so it and the hybrid propulsion probably make the ship potentially a better ASW platform.
To Recap:
The two main diesel engines will be 16V 28/33D diesel engines, each rated at 9,763 bhp
There will have a hybrid propulsion system provided by DRS Power Technology with a pair of electric motors connected to the reduction gears. I assume these will be good for at least the ships’ designated cruise speed of 14 knots.
Since we know that DRS makes a 1500kW (about 2,000 HP) that is made to be connected to the reduction gear, so that seems a likely candidate for the motors to be used on the OPC. A pair would provide about 4,000 HP which should provide at least 14 knots.
