MAN Diesel & Turbo has been selected to supply the main engines to a new, icebreaking, supply-and-research vessel for the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), the company said in its press release. The 2 × 16V32/44CR main engines – each producing 9,600 kW – were chosen for their highly reliable and fuel-efficient design that will serve in an environment with a demanding operational profile, including temperatures down to -30 degrees and extended mission times.
The vessel is being procured by Serco Defence through DMS Maritime (prime contractor) and will be designed and built by Damen Shipyards Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS). This complex vessel will form an integral part of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) programme for the next three decades. Handover to AAD is scheduled for April 2020.
The new icebreaker will succeed the old research vessel ‘Aurora Australis’ and will have greater icebreaking and cargo capacity, increased endurance and operational flexibility, a high standard of environmental performance and state-of-the-art research, rescue and resupply capabilities. Features onboard will include a moon pool, drop-keel, multi-beam bathymetric and scientific echo sounders, fisheries sonar systems, hydrophones and underwater cameras to support a wide range of scientific research in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.
In addition to the engines and their related plant equipment, MAN Diesel & Turbo will also supply its in-house-designed SCR system to ensure the environmentally friendly footprint of this new, state-of-the-art vessel in the pristine Antarctic environment. The compact and well proven SCR system is available in a wide range of sizes and covers the entire MAN portfolio of medium-speed engines. A special feature of the system is its communication with the engine control system that optimises the temperature for the SCR system at individual load-points.
About the Australian Antarctic Division
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), based in Hobart, Tasmania, is a Division of the Australian Government’s Department of the Environment and Energy. They are responsible for the advancement of Australia’s strategic, scientific, environmental and economic interests in the Antarctic by protecting, administering and researching the region.
The AAD utilises combined sea, air and continental transport capabilities to undertake wide-ranging marine, ice and aviation-based research activities, personnel transfer, station operation and resupply, and waste management and removal.
About DMS Maritime
DMS Maritime Pty Ltd (DMS Maritime) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Serco Australia Pty Ltd (Serco). DMS Maritime was formed in 1997 to deliver in-service vessel support and a range of harbour and offshore services to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). As a total asset manager, DMS Maritime offers end-to-end vessel services and these through-life services integrate vessel design and construction with maintenance and vessel operations.
About Damen Schelde
Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS), established in Vlissingen, has a rich tradition of naval shipbuilding with its original navy roots stemming back more than 140 years. The yard has delivered more than 400 vessels since 1875 to customers all over the world and has earned a reputation for excellence along the way. DSNS has achieved this status by producing vessels that have a lifespan that far exceeds the average by offering cutting-edge technology and the most cost efficient design solutions. MAN Diesel & Turbo is proud to frequently collaborate with DSNS.