EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER
Doen WaterJets delivers for large scale cross-border military project
Earlier this year, two new 40m aluminium Landing Craft Mechanised (LCM) were handed over to a military customer in the Middle East, each equipped with two Doen DJ400-DT (direct thrust) waterjets. The vessels were built in Turkey as part of a fleet expansion for the same Navy force.
The 40m LCM is an enlarged version of a family of landing craft designed here in Australia. The stakeholders in the new project were attracted to Doen’s high performance waterjet package that featured factory-supplied, customised intake ducts as well as stainless-steel pump assemblies – considered to be essential attributes for the efficiency and longevity of a landing craft propulsion system. Subsequent to 1:17 scale model tests conducted at the Australian Maritime College (AMC), Doen’s engineers undertook the data analysis and converted the scaled raw tank data to as-built performance predictions. Working closely with the designer, Doen demonstrated a comprehensive solution provider approach by offering a fit-for- purpose military propulsion system that overcame several engineering and performance challenges such as a length constraint in the jet compartment. Collaborating closely with the shipyard in Turkey and the marine diesel and transmission OEMs in Europe, Doen partnered with all other stakeholders during the course of this project to underpin the performance, including providing engineering support at the shipyard during waterjet installation, commissioning and trials. These landing craft were formally launched in May 2022. Although changes in operational requirements by the end user had increased the full load displacement of the vessels by almost 8%, the LMCs still achieved their 18 knot fully laden contract speed comfortably,
thanks to the robust propulsion system selection with in-built margin. Not dissimilar to other major military projects and as part of the Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) program, there was also a requirement for the OEMs to train the crew and technicians of the navy force and provide detailed technical documentation – all of which were delivered by Doen. The company has also upskilled its in-market partner in the Middle East and upgraded their remote diagnosis toolkit to ensure the fleet of landing craft will receive dedicated and round-the-clock support ongoing. As an ISO 9001 company certified by DNV, Doen WaterJets yet again showcased its uncompromised dedication to quality and customer satisfaction by delivering these large-scale propulsion systems on time and to the exact specifications, certified by Turk Loydu, in the face of the ongoing global supply chain disruptions and the domestic Covid lockdowns in 2021. The track record of Doen WaterJets with military landing craft applications puts the company in a unique position to supply 100% indigenous Australian waterjet propulsion systems to enhance the government’s commitment to developing and supporting the sovereign industrial capability of Australia’s defence industry. Following the successful delivery of these 40 m LCMs, Doen has continued to develop its unique and innovative waterjet propulsion solutions. The company recently delivered a pair of
its hybrid-electric variant waterjets for an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) in South Korea. Two DJ142-HE waterjets were supplied for this project, each with an integrated Power Take In (PTI) that allows the waterjet to accept power from an electric motor in addition to diesel engine. The waterjets were configured with Doen’s class leading, fully integrated electronic control system, requiring sophisticated integration and interfacing both with the hybrid propulsion management systems as well as the remote-control system of the unmanned vessel. Closer to home, Doen was contracted by local boatbuilder Hart Marine, which is constructing two 18m Pilot Boats with waterjet propulsion for the first time. Working together, engineers at the two companies developed a new version of Doen’s unique Integrated Waterjet. In the standard Integrated Waterjet, the upper part of the intake tunnel is moulded as part of the hull structure and the waterjet thrusts directly onto the gearbox. In the new version, the design utilises a standard inboard thrust bearing housing mounted to the GRP stern tube, allowing for very long shaft lines to the engines amidships. Both pilot boats are due for launch before the end of this year and will enter service in New Zealand. Images supplied courtesy of Doen WaterJets
2023 AUSTRALIAN MARINE INDUSTRY DIRECTORY | 25
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