Damen Marine Components (DMC) will supply rudders and steering gear systems for the future French Navy Logistic Support Ships of the “Jacques Chevallier” class. The contract for this was signed with shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique.
For each ship, DMC will supply two Van der Velden Timon flap-type rudders including extended trunk and steering foundations, and two Van der Velden Commander Rotary Vane steering systems along with the integrated logistics support.
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Rudder design
The rudder design is carried out by DMC’s engineers in Hamburg and will be optimised by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for the ship’s operational profile. There is a special focus on cavitation behaviour, course-keeping and manoeuvring, essential attributes for naval vessels and particularly for support vessels transferring fuel and supplies at close quarters whilst underway.
DMC’s rudders score well on these issues due to their open flap linkage mechanisms and side bar flap systems with a 90-degree angle. They also emit minimal noise and vibration.
The rudder design will be optimised for the ship’s operational profile, with special focus on cavitation behaviour, course-keeping and manoeuvring. <
One rotating part
The Rotary Vanes are designed and manufactured wholly in the Netherlands. They generate an equally high torque in all possible steering angles, and with only one rotating part, it is both safe to operate and requires little maintenance.
The systems being supplied to Chantiers de l’Atlantique will be fully compatible with the performance requirements of the Timon rudders.
French naval support ships
With a fuel and freight capacity of 13,000 m3, the new French naval ships will provide logistical support to combat vessels of the French navy – in particular the Charles de Gaulle carrier group – and its allies.
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Picture (top): Rotary Vane steering gear.
