Hellenic Navy Orders Siemens Technology

Siemens Industrial Solutions and Services (I&S) Group is now to equip a fourth Class 214 submarine with modern propulsion, control and monitoring technology for Greece. The project includes delivery of the Permasyn electric motor, the PEM fuel cell modules, and the "Nautos" automation system. The order volume is about EUR 21 million. Handover of the submarine to the Hellenic Navy is scheduled for 2009. In 2001, Siemens had already received an order to equip three vessels of the same type. Like the previous three vessels, the new submarine will have a Siemens Permasyn type electric propulsion drive. These DC-powered permanent-magnet excited synchronous motors are characterized by an extremely low signature, high availability, compact dimensions, and simple operation.A PEM fuel cell system (PEM - Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) powers the submarines underwater, permitting propulsion without outside air (air independent propulsion, AIP). The AIP system is a development by HDW. Siemens is providing the fuel cell modules and the control and monitoring equipment.The Nautos integrated automation system controls, monitors, and coordinates the entire ship's engineering. Operation and monitoring are performed centrally at the control console. This relieves the operator of routine tasks, facilitates operation of the submarines, and increases reliability and safety.The equipment from Siemens is the latest technology available for non-nuclear submarines. This order raises the number of Class 214 vessels equipped by Siemens to seven.The shipyard Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG (HDW), Kiel, Germany, received the order to deliver a package of material for the fourth Class 214 submarine to the Hellenic Navy in June 2002. The vessel is to be built by the HDW subsidiary Hellenic Shipyards Co.