WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 8, 2017) – Fairbanks Morse an EnPro Industries company (NYSE: NPO), will supply the Ship Service Diesel Generator (SSDG) sets for electric power generation system aboard the U.S. Navy’s newest America class amphibious assault warship, LHA 8.
Construction of the generator sets will begin later this year. They are scheduled to be delivered to shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Miss., in 2019. The six generator sets, powered by 12-cylinder Colt-Pielstick PA6B diesel engines will deliver 24 MW of electrical power and are some of the largest medium speed diesel engines built in the United States. Fairbanks Morse also supplied SSDGs for power generation systems aboard two other ships in the America class – the USS America (LHA 6), and USS Tripoli (LHA 7) as well as the eighth ship of the Wasp Class; USS Makin Island (LHD 8).
In announcing the order, Fairbanks Morse President Marvin Riley said, “Fairbanks Morse has supplied the Navy with battle-tested diesel engines for marine propulsion and mission-critical ship electrical services for more than 70 years. We also have had a long relationship with Huntington Ingalls Industries and we are proud to partner with them once again for this project and to deliver a quality product that supports U.S. Naval forces around the world.”
Like the other ships in the America class, the LHA 8 will be equipped with a diesel engine-driven electrical power generation system, which provides ship service power and also drives two induction-type auxiliary propulsion motors (APM) which power the ship’s propeller drive shaft. The Hybrid-electric propulsion systems use a gas turbine engine as well as an electric motor powered by the diesel generators. The electric motors propel the ship at speeds up to around 12 knots and the generators also produce power for all of the ship’s electrical services.
This system will be in operation for about 75 percent of the time it is underway. This is more efficient at low speeds than either gas turbine or engine driven propulsion.
About Fairbanks Morse Engine
Fairbanks Morse is the critical power solutions expert – a strategic partner and a trusted source for application-specific, fuel-flexible power systems that deliver optimal performance in mission critical applications. These applications include power generation -- base load and standby power plants, and emergency back-up power for nuclear plants; and ship propulsion and shipboard power for the United States Navy and Coast Guard and commercial vessels. Fairbanks Morse reliable engine drive solutions also can be found in a wide range of municipal, institutional and industrial applications. More information is available at www.fairbanksmorse.com.
About EnPro Industries, Inc. (NYSE:NPO)
EnPro Industries, Inc. is a leader in sealing products, metal polymer and filament wound bearings, components and service for reciprocating compressors, diesel and dual-fuel engines and other engineered products for use in critical applications by industries worldwide. For more information about EnPro, visit www.enproindustries.com.