GE Marine [GE] this week said that it will supply South Korea’s Samsung Techwin, with LM500 gas turbines to power PK(X) patrol boats to be built as part of phase two of its fast patrol boat program.
“We are delighted that the [South Korean] Navy selected LM500 propulsion system commonality for the next PK(X) patrol boats,” Brien Bolsinger, general manager, GE Marine, said in a statement.
The first PK(X) Yoon Young-ha has already been launched at Hanjin Heavy Industries‘ Busan, South Korea, shipyard.
Each of the PK(X) patrol boats will use LM500 gas turbines, rated at approximately 5,600 shaft horsepower, in a COmbined Diesel And Gas turbine (CODAG) arrangement, with diesel engines, GE Marine said.
Samsung Techwin is a GE Marine system supplier that will provide the shipyard with the LM500 propulsion modules.
In addition, GE will provide ongoing support to Samsung Techwin, the shipyard, and the South Korean Navy throughout installation, sea trials, and commissioning.
A third and final production run of PK(X) vessels is currently under study by the South Korean Navy.