GE's LM2500 engines are integrated into the Indian Navy’s new P17A stealth frigates

GE Marine has received a contract to supply gas turbine auxiliary equipment for the LM2500 engines integrated into the Indian Navy’s new P17A stealth frigates.

The contract was awarded by Indian firms Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).

Under the contract, GE will provide gas turbine auxiliary equipment for seven ships to support the 14 LM2500 engines. The company had already delivered these engines under a separate contract.

The equipment and services to be provided under the contract will include gas turbine controller, intakes and uptakes, firefighting equipment, water wash, start skid, fuel forwarding, and field service support to shipyards.

In addition, the scope includes the supply of electric starters for the gas turbines.

“GE will handle the design work for the P17A’s gas turbine auxiliary system and gas turbine fuel supply system and will provide training to the shipyards and Indian Navy.”

GE South Asia president and CEO Vishal Wanchoo said: “As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of marine propulsion products, GE can deliver a reliable, fully integrated gas turbine solution that is customised to suit and support the requirements of the Indian Navy.

“GE will also handle the design work for the P17A’s gas turbine auxiliary system and gas turbine fuel supply system, and will provide training to the shipyards and Indian Navy for these systems.”

The P17A platform will be powered by two GE LM2500 marine gas turbines and two diesel engines in a combined diesel or gas turbine arrangement.

The gas turbines are produced by GE’s in-country partner Hindustan Aeronautics’ (HAL) Industrial and Marine Gas Turbine division under licence. HAL is responsible for assembling and testing the turbines before installation on the frigates.

MDL is building four P17A warships for the Navy, while GRSE is constructing three.