Wärtsilä Corporation has received the contract to supply the diesel generating sets for two new Bay-class Alternative Landing Ships Logistic (ALSL) building for the UK RFA. The four main diesel-generating sets in each ship will be powered by Wärtsilä 26 diesel engines: each ship having two Wärtsilä 8L26 and two Wärtsilä 12V26 engines. Wärtsilä will also deliver an emergency diesel generating set to each ship. Additional ship sets for a further two vessels to be built at BAE Systems Govan yard will also be supplied subject to pending optional contract. The first two ships, newbuilding numbers 141 and 142, are to be built at Swan Hunter (Tyneside) Ltd in the UK.
The twin-screw vessels will have diesel-electric propulsion. With an overall length of 176.6m and displacement of 16,160 tons, they will provide tactical sea-lift as part of an amphibious group, and also be used for routine military transport and logistic support. They will carry troops and their vehicles, including main battle tanks and landing craft.
This latest order follows the successful completion of previous contracts for the UK Ministry of Defence for Wärtsilä main propulsion machinery. Wärtsilä Corporation has a growing number of ship references for its main propulsion and power generation machinery among navies and coast guards around the world.