Marine Engineering

Engineering

Because of her requirement to operate sensitive underwater equipment at slow speed and in exact position, MCDV's utilize a unique diesel-electric propulsion system, which operates two Z-Drive propeller units.

Electrical power for the two DC propulsion motors is derived from four Wartsila UD23 V-12, 4-stroke turbocharged, 600 VAC 715 Kw main diesel alternators.  Two engines are located each of the two machinery rooms.  The number of diesel engines providing power is dependant upon speed and operational requirements.  With all four diesels on line the ship will attain a top speed just over 15kts. 

Two 1150 Kw DC propulsion motors are coupled to the Z-Drive thrusters by a floating shaft arrangement with curved tooth couplings.   Unique to the Kingston Class ships, the Z-Drive propulsion system is composed of two steerable fixed pitch stern thrusters which operate through 360 degrees.  They reduce the maximum drive motor RPM from 1000 to a maximum of 256 propeller RPM

s (4:1).  This provides considerable torque which is necessary to tow the various payloads through the water.

The robust Z-Drives are fitted with 5 blade, 7' diameter, 7' pitch propellers, which operate efficiently even at very low RPM.

MCDV CHARACTERISTICS