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Rolls-Royce, a world leader in marine systems, has won a £12 million(US$17.3 million) order to supply fuel-efficient manoeuvrability systems for four new cement carrying vessels. The vessels, due for delivery in 2011 and 2012, are the latest generation of this type of ship.

The four 16,800 dwt vessels will be operated by the Bergen-based Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Group (KGJS), which was looking for a solution that would enable it to reduce bunker costs.

The order includes the Promas integrated propeller and rudder system, steering gear, tunnel thrusters and deck machinery. The system also includes switchboards, automation systems and an integrated bridge. According to Rolls-Royce, the Promas can increase propulsive efficiency by 4 to 6 percent with improved manoeuvrability at high and low speeds.

Geir Bjørkeli, Director of Systems Sales – Merchant, Rolls-Royce, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer KGJS a system that will deliver greater benefits in terms of quality, performance and environmental impact. Customers are choosing this complete system package which integrates our full range of products on board.”

Jan A. Berntzen, Vice President, Projects at KGJS, said: “Having assessed the cost versus performance of the Rolls-Royce offering, we decided to go for a system solution for this project rather than our usual approach of buying individual products.”

“We were looking for a solution to reduce fuel consumption and we are keen to try new technology. The fact that Rolls-Royce has the overall responsibility for design, manufacturing and commissioning of a large marine equipment system was a clear benefit for us. We expect this will create good synergies both during the construction and operation of the vessels.”

The vessels are being built at the Vinashin Group’s Ben Kien shipyard in Hai Phong, Vietnam.

Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, has established strong positions in global markets - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy.

The Marine business of Rolls-Royce employs around 8,000 people in 34 countries with the main manufacturing centres being in the UK, the Nordic countries, the United States and Asia.

Rolls-Royce is a world leader in marine solutions, providing products, service and expertise to more than 30,000 commercial and naval vessels in the offshore, merchant, naval and submarines markets. It designs ships and its product range includes propulsion systems featuring diesel engines and gas turbines, propellers, thrusters and water jets. Rolls-Royce also provides manoeuvring and stabilising systems and deck machinery.