Rolls-Royce Gets $1 Billion Pact From FastShip To Power Fleet

Rolls-Royce PLC will supply Philadelphia-based FastShip Inc. with gas turbine engines to power its high-speed transatlantic fleet. The $1 billion contract, Rolls-Royce's largest single order for marine engines, calls for the building of 25 marine Trent gas turbines. Rolls-Royce also will provide a 20-year support package for the life of each engine and will establish a plant in Philadelphia to manage the contract. "We are delighted to be working with FastShip on this state-of-the-art project," said Bob Sunerton, Rolls-Royce's managing director for marine power. "This agreement has positioned the Trent engine to help FastShip revolutionize the transport of high-value, time-sensitive goods." FastShip is creating a seven-day, door-to-door North Atlantic transportation network linking the middle of Europe to the middle of the United States. The service is made possible through use of patented technology in hull design, propulsion systems, and terminal technology. Trial operations will start in the second half of 2002 with the initiation of commercial operations in early 2003.