Fairbanks Morse, an EnPro Industries company (NYSE: NPO), will supply the main propulsion diesel engines – with the latest in diesel engine technology – for the USNS John Lewis, the lead ship in the U.S. Navy’s new T-AO 205 class of underway replenishment oiler ships.
The ship will be powered by two FM-MAN 12V 48/60 CR engines which will be built by Fairbanks Morse in Beloit, Wisconsin. The engines, rated at just over 19,000 bhp each, will be equipped with common rail fuel injection and engine control systems, and will meet the latest emission requirements with an exhaust after-treatment system. Fairbanks Morse will also provide propulsion control systems, auxiliary equipment and commissioning services.
The John Lewis is the first in its class and will be built by General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) in San Diego. The ship is a double-hulled tanker which will be operated by the Military Sealift Command to support Navy surface ships operating at sea. Fleet replenishment oiler ships transfer fuel to surface ships and supply lubricants, fresh water and some dry cargo. Lewis class ships will replace the Navy’s fleet of existing single-hull tankers.
In announcing the order, Fairbanks Morse President Marvin Riley highlighted the benefits of this engine choice to the United States Navy and American taxpayers. “Common rail fuel injection technology reduces fuel consumption and reduces the total life cycle cost for the Navy. This provides a significant benefit to the T-AO 205 program. We are very excited about the opportunity to deliver this modern U.S.- built power solution to our trusted, long-time partner NASSCO shipbuilding.”
Riley also acknowledged the efforts of U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin who championed a provision in the FY 2017 Defense Appropriations Bill which required the domestic manufacture of certain key shipboard components including diesel engines. “This provision has provided Fairbanks Morse and others who manufacturer in the US an opportunity to compete fairly for defense related work.” he said. “In addition to ensuring U.S investment in critical portions of the U.S. shipbuilding industry, the domestic manufacture requirement provides the Department of Defense with confidence that the manufacturing industrial base will maintain its integrity far into the future.”
“I have seen firsthand the innovation and hard work taking place at Fairbanks Morse,” Baldwin said. “Our country is stronger when we bolster our national defense by supporting Made in Wisconsin manufacturing and I’m proud to have championed this effort to strengthen both our national security and our economy.”
At present, the U.S. Navy has ordered six of the new Lewis class ships, pending appropriations, to be built over the next six years. Ultimately the program will include 17 ships, constructed over the next 17 years.
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