High Capacity At-Sea Transfer System Under Development

A team led by Rolls-Royce has been selected to develop and deliver an integrated high-capacity ship-to-ship cargo transfer system concept for the US Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR).

The team will combine ship motion control and positioning systems with fendering and crane and load control technologies into a single system concept designed specifically for high-capacity at-sea transfer of materials, personnel and equipment in heavy seas.

This high-capacity alongside sea-based sustainment (HiCASS) award is the first of several phases and is valued at $1million. Ultimately, HiCASS could be worth as much as $20 million as the project moves through demonstration and initial production phases over three years.

Rolls-Royce has assembled a world-class team including: Mooring Systems Limited; Craft Engineering Associates; NSWC - Panama City; Fentek Americas; National Steel and Shipbuilding Company; The Glosten Associates; NSWC Carderock; Michigan Technological University; and MacGregor (USA) Inc. In addition to leading the team, Rolls-Royce will provide motion control, dynamic positioning, controls, replenishment systems, system modeling and simulation, and electrical systems and navalisation expertise. "We're delighted to be selected by ONR for this demanding and challenging project," said Patrick J. Marolda, president of the Rolls-Royce naval marine business in North America. "This award will help demonstrate the growing range of Rolls-Royce products and expertise now available to our customers.

Once again the US Navy has put its faith in Rolls-Royce and we have partnered with the best to deliver for the US Navy."