MAN Energy Solutions, a German engine manufacturer, will support the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) by powering the three future Fleet Solid Support (FSS) vessels with a new propulsion package.
MAN will provide twelve V32/44CR propulsion engines, six L32/44CR Generator Sets, MAN selective catalytic reduction for each engine and three twin-screw Alpha CP propellers and plant auxiliaries.
The offering will contribute to some key requirements of the FSS ships essential for naval applications such as shock resistance; cyber security; nuclear, biological, chemical; Integrated Logistic Support; efficiency; low-emissions and reliability.
A further reduction of CO₂ emissions by use of green methanol is a conceivable option through a later retrofit of the 32/44CR engines.
MAN has previously worked with UK Defence and the Royal Navy, with vessels such as Type 23 frigates, a Fort Victoria replenishment vessel and Trafalgar-class submarines, among others, carrying MAN engines.
The main task of the advanced FSS ships will be the underway replenishment of dry stores for Royal Navy vessels. Their capabilities foresee global operations for logistic support, operation support – including missions against piracy – and terrorism.
FSS construction timeline
In 2023, the Ministry of Defence awarded a contract to Team Resolute – led by Navantia UK, alongside BMT Group and Harland & Wolff – to construct three FSS ships.
Most will be built at Harland & Wolff shipyards, with the integration, test and trials and delivery taking place at the iconic Belfast facility.
Construction on the first ship is set to begin in 2025, with all three support ships expected to be operational by 2032.
The new ships will replace the RFA Fort Austin and RFA Fort Rosalie, which were sold to Egypt, and the RFA Fort Victoria, which is set to be decommissioned in 2028.
“Navantia UK and our partners in Team Resolute for the FSS programme are proud to partner MAN in order to provide world class propulsion technology for the FSS vessels”, said José Luis Viguera, FSS liaison programme manager, Navantia UK.
