Kongsberg Maritime has received a contract to supply an equipment suite for the Italian Navy’s new Special and Diving Operations – Submarine Rescue Ship (SDO-SuRS) under construction at T.Mariotti shipyard.
The agreement stipulates the delivery of the Kongsberg Elegance propulsion pods that combine direct electric permanent magnet motor-driven pods and electric power systems.
The pods will provide the SDO-SuRS with “precise and efficient” operations while maintaining speed range once delivered.
Alongside the compact systems, the company will deliver three tunnel thrusters, a dynamic positioning system, a Mcon propulsion control system, and single and multibeam echo sounders.
Propulsion Advantage
Designed by Kongsberg’s Hydrodynamic Research Centre, the Elegance has a double barrier seal and low oil content technology that enables a vessel to achieve zero emissions and protect sea waters.
“The quiet, efficient operation of these traction propeller equipped units aboard the SDO-SuRS vessel will help show the naval shipbuilding industry that the way ahead is with permanent magnet pod propulsors,” Kongsberg Maritime Sales SVP Ottar Ristesund said.
“Not only do they offer the end user an efficient, noiseless, carbon-reducing future-proof propulsion platform, shipyards love them too as the units utilize simple interfaces that allow safe and easy fitting to the hull.”
A Demanding Project
The SDO-SuRS will replace Italy’s aging Nave Anteo vessel, which has been in service for more than 45 years.
The new 120-meter (394 feet) ship will be operated by special units during submarine search and rescue operations. It will also support other military and civil underwater missions.
“SDO SuRS is a demanding project and requires the highest level of technology to ensure performance and safety,” T.Mariotti Managing Director Marco Ghiglione explained.
“She will be powered by KONGSBERG, definitely a reliable partner for T.Mariotti Shipyard. We are glad to share with them this sophisticated appointment.”