Jeumont S.A., a subsidiary of AREVA NP*, has signed a contract with DCN - the French naval defense systems expert - to supply the propulsion systems for eight navy frigates.
The contract includes the manufacture of 16 engines (two for each frigate), requiring skills similar to those used for submarine propulsion systems. Deliveries will be staggered between 2008 and 2012.
Jeumont S.A. electro-mechanical division's (J.S.E.) engines use permanent-magnet technology to provide electronic variable speed. Our expertise in electric naval propulsion systems also means guaranteed reliability, compactness, space saving and low noise and vibrations, both of which make for very silent machines.
Recently, the Chilean and Malaysian navies have taken delivery of Scorpène-type submarines, fitted with permanent-magnet engines.
According to Yves Duretz, Jeumont S.A.'s Delegate Chief Executive Officer, "This contract is testimony to the trust customers have in our technology, and consolidates our position as European leader in permanent-magnet technology for naval propulsion. It represents a major workload over the next seven years for the naval sector of Jeumont S.A.'s electro-mechanical division, and has bolstered the sustainability of this activity, especially as it could lead to additional firm orders in the future".
This new generation of European multi-mission frigates, used both for surveillance and operations, is part of a program managed by the Organization for Joint Armaments This co-operation (OCCAr) comprises France, Germany, Britain, Italy and Belgium.
*AREVA NP is an AREVA (66%) and Siemens (34%) company.
8/28/2006