An order for propulsion equipment for the world's largest cargo transports has been awarded to the General Electric Company.
H. W. Ogilvie, manager of marketing for GE's Marine Turbine and Gear Department, West Lynn, Mass., said the company has received an order of nearly $5-million from the Quincy Division of General Dynamics. The propulsion equipment is for three sea barge clippers, which General Dynamics will build for Lykes Bros. Steamship Co., Inc., New Orleans. These ships represent a new concept of ocean cargo transport.
The geared steam turbine powerplant of 36,000 hp, which GE will build for each ship, will also be the largest installed in any cargo vessel. The ships will be capable of speeds of 20 knots or better.
To start service in 1971, the sea barge clippers are 875 feet long and 106 feet wide. They are to be built in the Quincy, Mass., yards of the General Dynamics Corp. at a cost of $32,629,333 each.
The sea barge clippers provide a new concept of cargo handling using a 2,000-ton capacity submersible elevator at the stern, capable of lifting two barges, each measuring 97.5 feet long and 35 feet wide. The ships can also handle roll-on/roll-off vehicles as well as containers of standard size.
General Electric's MST-14 non-reheat type propulsion equipment will power the ships. Some 40 of these units are already being supplied by the company.