Rolls-Royce MT30 turbine for Japan’s new frigate
The Rolls-Royce MT30 marine gas turbine has been selected to power a new class of frigates for the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF), the company announced on 21 May.
The MT30 has a twin-spool, high-pressure ratio gas generator with free power turbine. It can be configured either in mechanical, electrical or hybrid drive configurations.
Sam Cameron, senior vice president-defence, Rolls-Royce, said: ‘The increased demand for power by the world’s navies is a clear trend and for Japan we will deliver a power rating in excess of 40 megawatts, the highest so far for this gas turbine unrestricted by global climate conditions.
‘The power and performance of this gas turbine is providing shipbuilders and system designers with new options, choices and the ability to futureproof their latest naval platforms, combined with the additional benefits of through-life power retention with ultra-low on-board maintenance requirements.’
Construction of the first of the 30FFM class frigates will begin in 2019 and its entry into service is expected in 2022.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Partnerships will be critical for future projects at Latin American shipyards]()
Partnerships will be critical for future projects at Latin American shipyards
Multiple Latin American navies are modernising their fleets by prioritising domestically manufactured surface vessels and even submarines via international partnerships.
-
![SOF Week 2026: US NSW explores 3D-printed USVs for forward-deployed operations]()
SOF Week 2026: US NSW explores 3D-printed USVs for forward-deployed operations
US Naval Special Warfare Command is assessing the feasibility of rapidly producing expendable mid-sized USVs in theatre to support SOF and maritime security missions.
-
![Germany’s F126 delays open the door for Rheinmetall’s naval ambitions]()
Germany’s F126 delays open the door for Rheinmetall’s naval ambitions
Germany’s F126 frigate crisis has handed Rheinmetall an opening it had been working towards for years, and the company intends to make the most of it.
