Commercial hulls are start point for new UNREP designs

摘要

Acting on an anticipated newbuilding market demand for some 45 fleet replenishment ships over the coming 10 years, and as many as 90 in the next 20 years, Rolls-Royce has developed a series of versatile, efficient designs based on proven, commercial hullforms. Augmenting its initial offering last year of a 21 knot, 19,000dwt multipurpose type for ship-to-ship transfers of fuel, provisions, ammunition and equipment, the group has unveiled 14,000dwt and 25,000dwt designs, in 20- and 27-knot variants, to strengthen or imbue underway replenishment (UNREP) capabilities among bluewater navies. The UK, Australia, India and the US are among those believed to be looking to replace ageing ships. Current projects include Norwegian plans to provide at-sea support for the Fridtjof Nansen class of frigates, and a Romanian requirement arising from the purchase of two former Royal Navy Type 22 frigates.