GE Vernova to Power New UK FSS Ships with Hybrid-Electric Propulsion

GE Vernova's Power Conversion business in the UK has secured a contract with Team Resolute to provide advanced hybrid-electric propulsion technology for the UK Ministry of Defence's (MOD) Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships.

Team Resolute, a consortium comprising Navantia, Harland & Wolff, and BMT, will deliver three 216-meter-long FSS ships designed to minimize carbon emissions. The vessels will incorporate energy-efficient technologies, facilitating the use of low-carbon, non-fossil fuels, and future sustainable energy sources.

GE Vernova's hybrid-electric propulsion technology aims to optimize energy efficiency, power utilization, and availability for the new ship class, supporting its multirole missions. The contract includes the design and manufacturing of SeaPulse Active Front-End (AFE) power converters and Power Take-Off/Power Take-In (PTI/PTO) hybrid electric induction motor-generators, along with commissioning, testing, sea trials, certification, and integrated logistics support.

The modernization effort contributes to the UK Government's National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh, driving social and economic growth by fostering a resilient local supply chain and bolstering the nation's shipbuilding capacity.

Delivery of GE Vernova's electric propulsion equipment for the first FSS ship is slated for 2025, followed by the second and third vessels in 2026 and 2027, respectively.