Fairbanks Morse to supply propulsion engines for first of U.S. Navy’s new oiler ships

Fairbanks Morse, Beloit, Wis., an EnPro Industries company, is supplying the main propulsion diesel engines for the USNS John Lewis, the lead ship in the U.S. Navy’s new T-AO 205 class of underway replenishment oiler ships.

Two FM-MAN 12V 48/60 CR engines rated at just over 19,000 BHP each will power the ship. They are equipped with common rail fuel injection and engine control systems and will meet the latest emission requirements with an exhaust after-treatment system. The company also will provide propulsion control systems, auxiliary equipment, and commissioning services.

At present the U.S. Navy has ordered six of the new Lewis class ships, pending appropriations, to be built over the next six years. Ultimately the program will include 17 ships, constructed over the next 17 years.

The John Lewis is the first in its class and will be built by General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) in San Diego. The ship is a double-hulled tanker that will be operated by the Military Sealift Command to support Navy surface ships operating at sea. Fleet replenishment oiler ships transfer fuel to surface ships and supply lubricants, fresh water, and some dry cargo. Lewis class ships will replace the Navy’s fleet of existing single-hull tankers.