Voith awarded contract for propulsion system of Spanish Navy's submarine rescue ship.

According to a PR published by Voith on March March 12, 2024, the firm has been selected to provide the propulsion package for the Spanish Navy's new submarine rescue vessel, the BAM IS (Buque de Acción Marítima de Intervención Subacuática), a project overseen by Spain's National Armament Directorate (DGAM).
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Artist rendering of the future BAM-IS. (Picture source: Navantia)

The ship, which is expected to be operational by 2026, is designed to support various submarine-related operations including diving, rescue, search, and surveillance tasks, along with the protection of underwater cultural heritage.

The propulsion solution for the 90-meter vessel includes two electric Voith Schneider Propellers (eVSP) and three Voith Inline Thrusters (VIT), featuring integrated permanent magnet electric motors from ELIN Motors, a subsidiary of Voith Turbo.

The decision to employ this specific combination of eVSP and VIT was made after extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and model testing, focusing on the ship's performance under a range of conditions, including dynamic positioning and maneuverability in challenging sea environments.

The selected propulsion technologies were chosen for their ability to offer precise positioning and enhanced maneuverability compared to other drive concepts, a feature critical for the ship's intended operations.

The system is characterized by its quick response times, which are essential for maintaining the vessel's position in demanding sea conditions. Additionally, the eVSP is noted for its reduced noise emissions underwater, contributing to the ship's stealth and minimizing environmental impact. The propulsion system also includes an integrated roll stabilization feature, aimed at improving onboard comfort and working conditions.

Technical data about the BAM IS

The BAM IS has a displacement of 5,000 tons at full load. It has a length of 91 meters, a beam of 19 meters, and a draft of 5 meters. The vessel can reach a speed of 15 knots. It is operated by a crew of 48, with the ability to carry an additional 12 marines.