Fairbanks Morse to Power the T-AO 208 Robert F. Kennedy
Ocean News
Fairbanks Morse will supply the main propulsion diesel engines—with the latest in diesel engine technology—for the T-AO 208 Robert F. Kennedy. Photo courtesy of Fairbanks Morse
Fairbanks Morse, an EnPro Industries company (NYSE: NPO) and leading provider of solutions that are powering the world forward, will supply the main propulsion diesel engines—with the latest in diesel engine technology—for the T-AO 208 Robert F. Kennedy. The ship represents the fourth of the new John Lewis Class of fleet replenishment ships designed to service ships and aircraft at sea.
“When the US Navy needs to deliver fuel to its global fleet, it trusts our engines for power, reliability, and the ability to get the job done,” said Fairbanks Morse President, Deepak Navnith. “We are pleased to continue our partnership and help ensure that the new fleet of replenishment ships will live up to the Navy’s standards of strength and excellence.”
The ship will be powered by two FM | MAN 12V 48/60 CR engines, which will be built at the Fairbanks Morse facility in Beloit, Wisconsin. The engines, rated at just over 19,000 bhp each, will be equipped with a common rail fuel injection system, engine control systems, and will meet the latest emission requirements with an exhaust after-treatment system. Fairbanks Morse will also provide auxiliary equipment and commissioning services.
The Robert F. Kennedy is part of a $3.2 billion Navy contract for the design and construction of six John Lewis Class Fleet Replenishment Ships. The engines are scheduled to be delivered in 2021 to General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego. The Fairbanks Morse engines will serve as critical elements in ensuring that the ships operate safely and reliably and will aid in fueling critical missions over the long term. The Navy’s 30- year shipbuilding plan indicates intent to potentially procure an additional 15 ships of the John Lewis Class in future contract awards.
Today, Fairbanks Morse engines are installed on approximately 80 percent of US Navy ships that have a medium speed power application. The US Navy has turned to Fairbanks Morse for over seven decades to provide quality diesel engines for marine propulsion and ship service systems.
