Rolls-Royce announced on 30 May that has been selected by Japan to supply the world’s first twin MT30-powered hybrid electro-mechanical propulsion system to power the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV).
The company noted that the advantages of marine gas turbine technology include “ultra-low” on-board maintenance compared to legacy engines, which enables crew reduction in various shipboard functions such as engineering.
“Having previously been selected to power the JMSDF fleet, we’re delighted that the MT30 has once again been chosen to power the country’s vessels further reinforcing our long and successful history with Japan,” said Sam Cameron, Rolls-Royce Senior Vice President – Defence
“MT30 is powering many of the world’s most advanced platforms – including the FFM frigate programme – due to its power and propulsion providing ship builders and system designers with new options, choices and the ability to futureproof,” added Cameron. “We look forward to continuing to build on our relationship with Japan and grow the footprint of the MT30 globally.”
Local aerospace and defence prime Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) will build and integrate the MT30 into what is being called the “compact package engine enclosure” and will perform testing of the complete propulsion system.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced in December 2023 that it has secured around 373.1 billion yen (approximately US$2.5 billion) to build two ASEVs that are alternatives to the cancelled plan for a land-based Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defence system. The ships are expected to be delivered in FY2027 and FY2028.
According to the MoD, the new ships will be 190 metres long and will displace 12,000 tons, dwarfing the JMSDF’s two in-service Maya-class Aegis destroyers that are 170 m long and displace 8,200 tons. However, the high levels of automation that will be incorporated will enable a smaller crew complement of about 240, in contrast to the 300 crew required for the smaller Maya-class destroyers.
by Jr Ng
