Photo: Defence Connect

Netherlands ship building company Damen Marine Components has been contracted to design, engineer, and produce eight rudders for F126 frigates being completed for the German Navy.

The four frigates are currently being built by Damen Naval and will require two full spade rudders each designed to withstand extreme shocks and improved hydrodynamic properties.

DMC has developed an Asymmetric Rudder Technology design using the leading edge of each rudder to direct turbulent water flow from the propellers in front of the rudders along the rudder surface more smoothly. This technology is expected to reduce cavitation, increase rudder efficiency and reduce drag of each vessels’ twin counter-rotating propellers.

A “silent bulb” is also incorporated in the rudder wake of the propeller axis and has performed well in tank tests. The bulb improves the water flow that comes from the propeller and increases thrust at higher loads.

DMC sales and marketing director Wim Knoester said the rudders are required to be built with extreme shock resistant specifications and made from high-strength steel.

“We are happy to contribute to these state-of-the-art vessels,” he said.

“With these twin-screw, high-speed vessels, we can demonstrate the quality, efficiency, and durability of our rudders. Being part of this high-profile Damen project allows us to show our capacity of delivering the highest class of ship systems.”

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