GE LM2500+G4 Gas Turbine Module Delivered by Avio for First FREMM Frigate

Released on Tuesday, September 02, 2008

September 02, 2008 -- EVENDALE, Ohio -- GE Marine reports that the first LM2500+G4 aeroderivative marine gas turbine module has been delivered by Avio to DCNS' shipyard in France. The engine will be the basis for the COmbined Diesel eLectric And Gas turbine (CODLAG) propulsion system that will power the French Navy's first European Multi-Mission Frigates (FREMM) ship.

Avio, Torino, Italy, is a GE Marine Systems Supplier, as well as the prime contractor for the FREMM gas turbine system. The French and Italian Navies are jointly developing the FREMM program, and combined, the navies are slated to build a total of 27 next-generation frigates. Avio has ordered the initial three LM2500+G4 gas turbines, two of which have already been delivered to Avio's facility in Brindisi, Italy.

Earlier in 2008, GE reported the successful completion of the entire 500-hour qualification test for the LM2500+G4 gas turbine at the company's Evendale, Ohio test cell. The rigorous testing plan devised by GE was tailored so that the engine will be certified by three key organizations: Bureau Veritas, RINA S.p.A. and American Bureau of Shipping (naval vessel rules).

Introduced in October 2005, the G4 version of the popular LM2500 family offers 17% more power than its LM2500+ predecessor, and has a 6% increase in airflow over the current LM2500+ model. The LM2500+G4 is expected to provide the same 99.6% reliability of the LM2500, which currently has a fleet of more than 2,000 gas turbines in diverse marine and industrial applications. GE Marine is one of the world's leading manufacturers of marine products and services, including aeroderivative gas turbines ranging from 6,000 to 57,300 shaft horsepower.