Imtech to Provide Key Systems for Royal Navy Ships

Imtech Marine has been selected by BAE Systems to provide electrical distribution and HVAC systems for the prestigious UK MOD Type 26 Global Combat Ship Program.

The HVAC system comprises the CBRN system, for protection against chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear threats, and the air handling units, fans, air distribution system and climate control panels. Imtech Marine’s HVAC specialised division Schiffbau-/Dockbautechnik will design, manufacture, install and test the system. Next to the entire HVAC system, Imtech Marine will supply the complete low voltage electrical power distribution system, which includes switchboards, electrical distribution cabinets, distribution panels and motor starters, ship service and power distribution transformers and battery backed zonal power supply units.

For naval applications Imtech Marine has developed a standard switchboard IMAS design, which is capable of adaptation with respect to voltages of 440V/690V, current ratings up to 4000A/5000A, head height restrictions, maintenance access, internal partitioning/separation, tolerance to flooding, arc flash detection, tolerance to shock and vibration, EMI & EMC tolerance and emissions, CO2 injection ports and top and bottom cable entry.

Project team

To ensure the company provides the best service possible a specialized engineering project team will be established to interface with the BAE Systems team and to co-develop the Type 26 equipment designs and provide support during ships’ commissioning. Imtech Marine’s UK operation will be further strengthened through knowledge transfer from the company’s global technical competence centres. This will ensure that there is a solid foundation to provide an enduring basis for the through-life support team for the vessels that are expected to be in service with the Royal Navy into the middle of this century and beyond.

André Meijer, Managing Director Imtech Marine, comments: “Undoubtedly, a significant factor in Imtech Marine’s selection to provide the HVAC for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship Program was its efficient engineering management processes developed as a result of our global supply experience. Of particular importance was the experience gained by working with the Aircraft Carrier Alliance to supply the complete HVAC solution for the new Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers. This facilitated the effective transfer of knowledge from the QE Class to the Type 26 program.

“Imtech Marine’s widespread HVAC, CBRN and electrical system integration expertise, combined with its close involvement with the Royal Netherlands Navy and other foreign Navies, provides a thorough understanding of the operating demands made of modern naval electrical power distribution systems and on-board climate control and CBRN protection systems and the complex interrelationships between power supply and consumer loads.”

Royal Fleet Auxiliary

In 2000 Imtech was selected to fill in the role of electrical system design authority for four Bay Class Landing Ship Dock (LSD(A)) Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels and has expanded its UK activities ever since.

Over the past decade Imtech Marine has been involved in the supply of platform electrical systems for several UK Naval programmes. This has included the LSD(A) whole ship solution - including the electrical installation, and the steering and dive control systems for three Astute Submarines. Additionally, the company was selected to supply the HVAC system for the two QE Class Aircraft Carriers currently under construction in Rosyth and the Integrated Bridge and Platform Management Systems for three Khareef Class Corvettes recently completed by BAE Systems in Portsmouth. In addition to this, Imtech has built up major experience in the global navy market, with close partnerships with the Dutch and German Navy and implementing technology solutions at several navies around the world.