New Integrated Platform Management System for German F126 Frigates

Rolls-Royce Power Systems, headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, will deliver the automation solutions for the four new F126 frigates for the German Navy. 

The contract with main contractor Damen Naval will see Rolls-Royce’s mtu NautIQ Master Integrated Platform Management System and mtu NautIQ Foresight Equipment Health Management System form the command and automation system on board the F126 frigates. The fire alarm, personnel locator and CCTV systems are also part of the contract. 

With mtu NautIQ it is offering a future-proof portfolio of enhanced solutions for the complete vessel.

This is the first naval order for mtu NautIQ products since Rolls-Royce launched its extended automation solutions portfolio, which now combines mtu and Servowatch technologies under one brand. Rolls-Royce acquired Servowatch, a supplier of integrated marine automation solutions, in 2020.

“With Rolls-Royce and its mtu automation products we have found the right partner for the integrated systems for the automation of the command systems,” said Hein van Ameijden, Managing Director of Damen Naval. “This is high-tech, made in Germany. It will enable the most efficient operation of the vessels and ensure optimal uptime, giving the German Navy the means to fulfil their missions anytime and anywhere, thanks to the know-how and experience of the engineers and developers of Rolls-Royce business unit Power Systems.” 

“This order is a significant milestone for our proven and newly renamed mtu NautIQ automation solutions portfolio,” said Knut Müller, Vice President Global Governmental at Rolls-Royce business unit Power Systems. “It proves that our strategy of delivering solutions from bridge to propeller is the correct path. We are the only engine manufacturer in the world that can also supply the automation platform to monitor and control the entire ship and we are proud that Damen and the German Armed Forces have chosen us for this important and prestigious project.”

Damen Naval is building the four F126 class frigates together with its partners Blohm+Voss and Thales, after the partners were selected as successful bidders in 2020 following a European tender process spanning several years. All building work will be carried out in German shipyards in Hamburg, Kiel and Wolgast, and the first ship is expected to be delivered to the German Navy in Hamburg in 2028.