Sweden orders stirling engines from Kockums

Kockums has received an order for Stirling engines from the Swedish Defence Matériel Administration. The order comprises production of new Mark 3 Stirling engines, intended as auxiliary propulsion systems for Sweden’s Gotland and Södermanland-class submarines. They will also serve as replacement engines and in conjunction with eventual refits, or as part of midlife upgrades of Gotland-class submarines. Kockums’ unique Stirling submarine propulsion systems are world-leading. When equipped with an air-independent Stirling system, a conventional (non-nuclear) submarine can remain hidden beneath the surface for a very long time. The technology combines a low sonar signature and extreme operational reliability with a minimal logistical requirement, ensuring rapid and safe bunkering at low overall cost.