GE Marine Engines announced that its LM2500 aeroderivative gas turbine has been selected to power the US Navy’s eighth gas turbine-powered Strategic Sealift vessel. The Strategic Sealift vessel will use two GE LM2500s, each rated at 32,000 horsepower, the highest rating for this gas turbine for either a commercial or military marine application.

GE is also supplying the main reduction gears and the machinery automation drive and control system for the LM2500 propulsion package. The Sealift ship is 950 feet long by 105 feet wide, and can cruise at 24 knots (approximately 27 miles per hour). The ships are used for the deployment of military cargoes in either a pre-positioning or surge mode to anywhere in the world.