GE Vernova Develops, Supplies Propulsion Load System for US Navy Testing

GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business obtained a contract to develop and deliver a propulsion load system (PLS) for the U.S. Navy’s land-based testing facilities, supporting new generations of advanced naval surface vessels. The PLS will be used to test the performance and reliability of shipboard propulsion systems in a controlled, on-land environment prior to sea deployment. The contract, booked in Q2 2024, includes the design, manufacturing, delivery, and installation of two PLS units at a U.S. Navy facility over a three-year period.

“GE Vernova is proud to contribute to the U.S. Navy’s future naval capabilities by delivering testing solutions that help lower the technology risk and prepare crews for the next generation of surface vessels,” said Ed Torres, Business Line Leader of GE Vernova’s Power Conversion Business. “This contract reflects our commitment to advancing naval technology through reliable, efficient propulsion load management systems.”

The facility and program, managed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD), will serve as the primary site for propulsion system testing and qualification for advanced naval vessels, such as the FFG-62 and DDG(X). By simulating real-world shipboard conditions, the PLS will help reduce technical risks, streamline development timelines, and train future crews to provide the Navy with strategic advantage. The system features propulsion-load electric motors, E-houses, power electronic motor drives, switchboards, motor control centers, load banks, transformers, and associated infrastructure.

FFG-62 vessel concept; Image Credits: U.S. Naval Institute

The contract award arrives from the U.S. Navy’s Program Executive Office Ships, under the PMS 515 (frigates) and PMS 460 (DDG(X) program), with technical and programmatic ownership by the NSWC. The agreement is administered through the Maritime Sustainment Technology and Innovation Consortium and managed by Advanced Technology International.

GE Vernova Power Conversion News

In March 2024, ST Engineering Marine granted a supply contract to GE Vernova Power Conversion for its Ship’s Electric Grid with Integrated Full-Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system. As part of the Singapore Navy’s Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) program, this equipment will be installed on six MRCVs to replace a fleet of mechanical drive Victory-class missile corvettes. Singapore’s MRCVs have a modular platform design that allows for a range of naval missions requiring electric power. The combat vessels can host unmanned air and surface vehicles to expand the area of each MRCV’s surveillance capability.

GE Vernova Power Conversion will supply generators, medium-voltage switchboards, transformers, propulsion variable frequency drives, electric propulsion motors, thruster motors, soft starters, a shore power connection, a power management system, and a propulsion control system. The electric propulsion systems will be delivered over the next 10 years. The Ship’s Electric Grid generates the electricity needed for the vessel’s propulsion and powers the operational and mission systems, including radar and communications.

More GE Ship News

In early August 2024, GE Aerospace was contracted by Turkish Naval Forces (TNF) to supply LM2500 engines for four frigates, providing 23 MW of power to each vessel. This contract builds on last year’s agreement with TAIS OG-STM in which GE Aerospace delivered LM2500 marine gas turbines for three Istif-class frigates. Istif-class frigates, larger than TNF Ada-class corvettes, are exclusively powered by LM2500 gas turbines and feature larger hulls for increased endurance, range capability, and longer-range weapons.