FastShip has reached an understanding with Rolls Royce Plc for the supply of gas turbine engines that will power the company's revolutionary high speed Trans-Atlantic fleet, providing the approximate power equivalent to two 747 jet engines. The deal, worth $1 billion, represents the largest-ever single order for Rolls Royce for marine engines.
The agreement requires Rolls Royce to construct 25 marine Trent gas turbines - five in each of FastShip's initial four vessels, and five spares. Additionally, Rolls Royce will provide a 20-year support package throughout the life of each engine, as well as establish a maintenance facility in the Philadelphia region for the contract's management purposes.
The Rolls Royce Trent engines, which derivate from the company's Trent aero-engine and the most powerful gas turbine propulsion
unit available, will drive one Kamewa water jet
, delivering 335,000-hp. The propulsion package will
allow the 860 ft. (262 m) vessels, carrying a payload of 10,000-tons to complete the journey from Philadelphia to Cherbourg in less than four days, while attaining speeds of up to 40 knots.