1 minute read
Volume replenishment
by Janes
Ship design and systems engineering house BMT (Stand S3-140) has raised the curtain on a new multirole support and logistics vessel design at DSEI.
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Known as ELLIDA, this latest concept complements the existing AEGIR and SALVAS families to complete the triumvirate of afloat support and logistics vessels designs developed by BMT.
Variants of the generic AEGIR design are already in service in the UK and Norway, while the SALVAS concept is intended to meet requirements for a specialist utility auxiliary ship able to undertake tasks such as salvage and towing, diving support, submarine rescue, maintenance and repair, and humanitarian aid/disaster relief.
The ELLIDA concept is underpinned by the experience gained by BMT in the design of the five AEGIR vessels now in service (four Tide-class tankers with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and HNoMS Maud with the Royal Norwegian Navy).
However, the new multirole support ship design has been developed to meet a different set of requirements, according to BMT’s chief naval architect Andy Kimber. ‘‘With AEGIR, the design is driven by bulk lift for replenishment operations,’’ he explained. ‘‘ELLIDA is a volume carrier − primarily focused on logistics and Ro-Ro transport – and so adopts a new twin-shaft hullform.’’
The first member of the ELLIDA family being shown by BMT is a 195m multirole and logistics vessel. This ‘high-end’ variant is designed to provide the capabilities needed in future global operations, offering the flexibility of a large hull with internal vehicle and stowage decks, weather deck stowage/cargo handling, and accommodation for a 250-strong embarked military force. The design also includes 2-tonne replenishment at sea (RAS) stations for solid stores (fitted port and starboard), a stern well dock with space for two landing craft, a two-spot flight deck and a single-spot hangar.
ELLIDA has also taken careful consideration of the need to optimise the flow of people and stores. ‘‘The design features wide passageways and stairwells to allow fully equipped troops to move and muster without congestion,’’ Kimber noted. ‘‘We have also looked at the logistics routeways to ensure that these could also support RAS operations.’’
