Rolls-Royce has been contracted to supply diesel generators, propellers and shaft lines for the US Navy’s new John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler ships.

The US Navy is planning to build a total of 17 replenishment oilers, which are expected to increase the navy’s capability to ferry fuel to its surface ships.

Each of the vessels will be fitted with Rolls Royce’s two Kamewa 150A Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) and two Bergen B32:40xL8A generator sets to cater for on-board energy requirements.

"This contract renews our long-standing relationship with General Dynamics’ NASSCO shipyard in San Diego."

Rolls-Royce naval president Don Roussinos said: “This contract renews our long-standing relationship with General Dynamics’ NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, where construction of the first vessel will commence next year.

“Rolls-Royce controllable pitch propellers, produced at our facility in Walpole Massachusetts, have been powering the US Navy fleet for many years, and we are delighted that the John Lewis Class will continue this for decades to come.

“These ships will play a significant role in the Navy’s operations around the globe, and we look forward to working closely with NASSCO in delivering our technology to America’s largest ship building programme.”

Each vessel can carry 156,000 barrels of fuel oil and will have dry cargo capacity, aviation capability, and will operate at a speed of 20k.

The contract covers the first ship, with options for five more. The project will see 17 new ships built at the rate of one per year.

Equipment for the lead ship is slated for delivery in 2018.

Image: US Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler ship. Photo: courtesy of Rolls-Royce plc.