GE Marine’s LM500 Energizes ROKN’s Next-Gen PKX-B Patrol Vessels

The Republic of Korea’s Naval Forces have opted for GE Marine’s LM500 gas turbines to energize the initial four PKX-B Batch-II vessels. Two LM500s, each boasting an approximate output of 4.6 MW, will assist in propelling one of the swiftest and most advanced ships in the ROKN fleet, achieving a maximum speed of 40 knots.

A total of 32 LM500 gas turbines are installed on 16 PKX-B Batch-I vessels, all of which have been successfully delivered. Batch-II encompasses an extra 18 ships, with the first four officially contracted for assembly in late 2022. The gas turbine components will be fabricated at GE’s facility in Lynn, MA, and supplied to Hanwha Aerospace, a GE marine systems partner, tasked with assembling and testing the engines prior to handing them over to HJ Shipbuilding & Construction for installation.

“GE has furnished the ROK Navy with 155 marine gas turbines for 91 vessels to date, and we are privileged that GE marine gas turbines will continue to drive their latest patrol craft. We eagerly anticipate further enhancing our partnerships domestically for this next-gen vessel,” asserted Mark Musheno, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for GE Marine.

The LM500 is derived from GE’s TF34/CF34 turbofan aircraft engines and shares 90% of its components with the CF34 engine that powers the widely used CRJ100/200 regional jet, which has accumulated over 14 million operational hours. The straightforward cycle LM500 is a dual-shaft gas turbine comprised of a gas generator, a free power turbine, and cold-end drive functions. The 14-stage axial flow compressor offers a pressure ratio of 14.5:1.

The LM500 gas turbine engine is ideally suited for the PKX-B patrol vessels as it integrates cutting-edge proven design technology and corrosion-resistant materials, ensuring a mature design with optimal reliability and longevity of components.

GE is committed to ensuring its gas turbines align with the evolving demands of its clientele, either by enhancing existing machinery or by unveiling innovative technologies to elevate overall performance. Each of GE’s six aeroderivative marine gas turbines is compact, lightweight, and generates low emissions: LM500 (4.6 MW), LM2500 (25.1 MW), LM2500+ (30.2 MW), LM2500+G4 (35.3 MW), LM6000PC (46.1 MW), and LM6000 (52.7 MW).