Converteam propulsion systems selected for U.S. Navy's Mobile Landing Platform program

Posted by Courtney E. HowardPITTSBURGH, 4 Aug. 2011. General Dynamics NASSCO officials in San Diego sought an integrated power system (IPS) to deliver electric power and propulsion the U.S. Navy’s Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) program. They found their solution at Converteam, a power conversion company in Pittsburgh.

Converteam will provide a capable IPS, including the tandem propulsion motor powered by variable frequency drives, as well as the harmonic filters, generators, high-voltage switchboards, transformers, automation, azimuthing thruster with dynamic positioning capability, and associated thruster drive and motor for the MLP program. Company engineers will design and supply the complete electric power, propulsion, and vessel automation system.

The MLP is a type of amphibious assault ship that will provide auxiliary support, serving as a floating base for amphibious operations and as a transfer station. The first MLP vessel is scheduled to enter service with the U.S. Navy in 2015.

General Dynamics' National Steel and Shipbuilding Company won the contract to design and build the first ship in late 2010. The Navy initially plans to acquire three vessels.

The contract and engineering design will be performed in Pittsburgh. The vessels will be built and commissioned at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego.

There are three scheduled class vessels expected to be delivered between May 2013 and December 2014.