GE Peterborough ships first four engines for Arctic patrol ships to Irving
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Plant now working to test propulsion motor for Royal Canadian Navy ships
Irving’s Shipbuilding’s yard in Halifax, N.S. is leading Canada’s new Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship project. Photo: Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
PETERBOROUGH, Ont.—The Marine Solutions wing of GE’s Peterborough plant has completed the first four diesel generators and engines for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships.
The industrial giant announced it shipped the ice- and cold weather-ready components to Irving Shipbuilding Inc.’s yard June 14, completing one part of its contract with the Halifax, N.S.-based firm leading the approximately $25 billion project.
“GE’s collaboration with Irving Shipbuilding Inc. on this important large infrastructure project utilizing best-in-class technology, created an opportunity for developing a made-in-Canada solution and also delivered new business opportunities to our supply chain,” Elyse Allan , GE Canada’s president and CEO, said.
According to the Canadian navy, the Arctic patrol ship’s propulsion systems will run on hybrid diesel/electric propulsion, using a pair of 4.5 megawatt main propulsion engines and four 3.6 MW generators.
As it ships the engines and generators, GE said it has begun acceptance testing on the first propulsion motor designed for the vessels. It expects to ship the component in early July. The company noted it is using Ontario steel skid and machining suppliers to complete the shipbuilding contract.
Under a seven-year agreement with Irving, GE will deliver and commission the electrical power and propulsion systems for six ice-capable Arctic patrol ships.
