Ulsan-class ship The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has selected Rolls-Royce for the supply of its MT30 gas turbine engine in support of its new Incheon-class FFX frigate Batch II programme.

Under the contract, the company will supply a single MT30 engine instead of a pair to power the first ship in the FFX Batch II programme.

Rolls-Royce Naval president Andrew Marsh said: "The MT30 is the engine of choice to power the world’s most advanced naval ships, where demand for power is increasing as more navies choose all-electric ships with sophisticated on board systems."

Derived from Rolls-Royce aero engine technology, the MT30 engine is claimed to have the highest power density and is capable of producing 36 to 40MW of power, making it the world’s most powerful marine gas turbine.

Prior to its delivery to ROKN, the engine will undergo testing following the integration of air inlets, exhausts and ancillary equipment into a steel enclosure by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for installation in to the ship.

The ROKN’s FFX Batch II programme includes eight ships while the first ship will be built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME).

The Incheon-class FFX frigates will replace the ageing Pohang-class corvettes and Ulsan-class frigates fleet in addition to supporting multi-role operations, such as coast patrol, anti-submarine warfare and transport missions for the ROKN.

Currently in service with the US Navy’s Freedom-class littoral combat ships (LCS), the MT30 is also a choice for the UK Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and the US Navy’s DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyer programme.

Image: The Republic of Korea’s Ulsan-class ship will be succeeded by the Incheon-class FFX frigates. Photo: courtesy of PH2 M. CORREA, USN.