Press Release

Contact: Bill Schmalzer

Phone: (203) 426-0800

Fax: (203) 426-4262

Web site: www.forecast1.com

E-mail: @forecast1.com

Forecast International, Inc.

22 Commerce Rd. Newtown, CT 06470 USA

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Increasing Power Flexibility with Marine Gas Turbines

 

NEWTOWN, Conn. [October 8, 2007] — In its October update of its analysis “The Market for Gas Turbine Marine Engines,” Forecast International reviews this market with an eye toward the trend of removing gas turbine engines from their propulsion-only role and improving the economy and versatility of marine platforms.

Integrated power systems are the emerging standard for marine propulsion systems. Whether such systems are called Integrated Electric Propulsion, Integrated Power Systems, or simply Electric Drive, observers agree that the exponential growth in shipboard capabilities soon to emerge will be the greatest leap since the emergence of nuclear and gas turbine power plants 50 years ago. Though nuclear reactors will definitely have their military advantages (in submarines and most likely again in surface vessels), gas turbines and GT/diesel/electric hybrid systems will be prime players in world markets for many years to come.

The overall leaders (outside the Russian Federation and Ukraine) in terms of installed high-power marine gas turbine machines are General Electric Co (USA) with its LM500, LM1500, LM1600, LM2500/LM2500+ and Frames 3 and 5, and Rolls-Royce with its 501-K, 570/571-K, Gnome, Olympus, Proteus, Spey, Tyne, RB211, and Trent. About 1,000 GE engines and 400 Rolls-Royce engines remain in active use for military and commercial vessels.

For future large military surface vessels, the U.S. Navy has voiced its approval of prime movers integrated with electric propulsion, offering higher power outputs along with improved fuel efficiency. GE in the U.S. has offered its LM2500+ and, perhaps even better, its LM6000. The team of Northrop Grumman, Rolls-Royce, and DCN of France has offered the WR21 Intercooled, Regenerative Cycle (ICR) package, which will be 50 percent sourced in the United States.

“We project that 661 marine gas turbines will be built from 2007-2016, a significant decrease from the projection in our previous analysis,” said I&M Analyst Bill Schmalzer. “This decline can be attributed primarily to the emphasis being placed on the development of extremely efficient diesel engines for bulk sea transportation.”

Forecast International, Inc., is a leading provider of Market Intelligence and Analysis in the areas of aerospace, defense, power systems and military electronics.  Based in Newtown, Conn., USA, Forecast International specializes in long-range industry forecasts and market assessments used by strategic planners, marketing professionals, military organizations, and governments worldwide.  To arrange an interview with Forecast International’s editors, please contact Ray Peterson, Vice President, Research & Editorial Services (203-426-0800, ray.peterson@forecast1.com).