Kongsberg Propulsion Solution Selected for New Italian Navy Submarine Rescue Ship

Kongsberg is supplying a pair of its Elegance propulsion pods as well as three tunnel thrusters, Mcon propulsion control system, DP3 (Dynamic Positioning) system, and single and multibeam echo sounders By DA Staff / 20 Feb 2023

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
SDO-SuRS
Follow DA

Kongsberg Maritime will provide a suite of specialist equipment for the Italian Navy’s new Special and Diving Operations – Submarine Rescue Ship (SDO-SuRS) being built by T.Mariotti shipyard.

As part of the order, Kongsberg is supplying a pair of its Elegance propulsion pods. Kongsberg’s Elegance pod system aboard the SDO-SuRS combines the direct electric permanent magnet motor driven pods, matched with a Kongsberg electric power system, including batteries and power management system. 

These Elegance pods provide propulsion for precise and efficient vessel operation. The permanent magnet electric motor provides optimal efficiency over a large speed range, combined with an excellent hydrodynamic design developed in Kongsberg’s Hydrodynamic Research Center.

The compactly designed pods have a low oil content and double barrier seal solution, to protect the ocean, while offering vessels the ability to operate in fully electric zero emissions mode in port or for limited offshore operations.

Additionally, the order includes three Kongsberg tunnel thrusters, Mcon propulsion control system, DP3 (Dynamic Positioning) system, and single and multibeam echo sounders.

The 120m vessel will replace Nave Anteo, which has now reached the end of its operating life after over forty-five years of use. While the new ship fulfils the need for a specialized unit for the search and rescue of damaged submarines, it will also offer support to a wide spectrum of military and civil underwater activities, and special operations.

“This contract represents the start of an exciting market development for the Elegance pod propulsion systems,” said Ottar Ristesund, SVP sales, Kongsberg Maritime. “The quiet, efficient operation of these traction propeller equipped units aboard the SDO-SuRS vessel will help show the naval shipbuilding industry that the way ahead is with permanent magnet pod propulsors. Not only do they offer the end user an efficient, noiseless, carbon-reducing future-proof propulsion platform, shipyards love them too as the units utilize simple interfaces that allow safe and easy fitting to the hull.”

Trond Jakobsen, Senior Vice President Integrated Solutions Sales, added: “It’s a great honor to be working with T.Mariotti shipyard on the SDO-SuRS project. Kongsberg Maritme and T.Mariotti have a long-standing relationship going back many years, particularly concerning Kongsberg’s supply of propulsion equipment and associated control systems for ferries and cruise liners. It’s doubly pleasing to mention that this contract has further opportunities associated with it which could come into fruition in 2023.”

“SDO SuRS is a demanding project and requires the highest level of technology to ensure performance and safety. She will be powered by Kongsberg, definitely a reliable partner for T.Mariotti Shipyard. We are glad to share with them this sophisticated appointment,” said Marco Ghiglione, T.Mariotti’s Managing Director.

Find manufacturers and suppliers of marine propulsion systems>>

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Latest USV Platform Enables Versatile Operations in Contested Waters

SubSea Craft’s MARS is a rapidly developed, modular uncrewed surface vessel built to enhance maritime operations with scalable, multi-mission capability and autonomous deployment

May 20, 2025
New Line of Kinetic-Capable Unmanned Surface Vessels Introduced

Red Cat Holdings enters the maritime autonomy market with a new line of combat-proven USVs, expanding its multi-domain unmanned systems for naval operations

May 20, 2025
Rugged Military Computing Solutions Being Showcased at AFCEA 2025

Getac's latest rugged military computing technologies will be presented at AFCEA 2025, highlighting the company's technical solutions across military use-cases

May 19, 2025
Triad RF: Advancing Radio Testing with T006 & ARTS Automation

Triad RF’s T006 Rack and ARTS automate high-power radio testing, delivering faster, more consistent validation with improved isolation and performance validated through flight testing for mission-critical applications

May 19, 2025
Swedish Army Advances C2 Digitization with MilDef Technology

MilDef has been commissioned by FMV to deliver IT equipment that supports the Swedish Army’s digitization and enhanced command-and-control (C2) capabilities

May 19, 2025
Meltio’s Metal 3D Printing Technology Introduced in Mexico

Meltio’s wire-laser metal 3D printing technology has been introduced in Mexico through a strategic alliance with Sitres Latam, Alar, and Tecnológico de Monterrey, with applications spanning industry, education, and research

May 16, 2025

Featured Content

New Line of Kinetic-Capable Unmanned Surface Vessels Introduced

Red Cat Holdings enters the maritime autonomy market with a new line of combat-proven USVs, expanding its multi-domain unmanned systems for naval operations

May 20, 2025
Next-Gen Group 2 UAS Enters Production with Extended Endurance & Upgrades

Aurora Flight Sciences upgrades the SKIRON-X Group 2 UAS with greater versatility and tactical mission endurance, as well as announcing the hydrogen-powered SKIRON-XLE variant

May 13, 2025
Discover ANELLO’s SiPhOG™ for GNSS-Denied Navigation at XPO25

CEO of ANELLO Photonics, Dr. Mario Paniccia, will present at Xponential 2025 on the company's SiPhOG-based inertial navigation technology in GPS-denied and GNSS-contested environments.

May 09, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.