Engine problems hamstring SA Navy operations
THE frigate SAS Spioenkop (F147) has become the latest of the four Valour class frigates to have serious propulsion problems, causing the ship to abort its mission with Operation Copper, the counter-piracy patrolling of the Mozambique Channel.
The frigate experienced propulsion problems while on its way to its latest deployment and put in to Durban for repairs, which were attended to at the Salisbury Island naval base. However they reoccurred while in the channel, forcing the ship to limp back to Durban minus the use of one of its two diesel engines.
The ship is powered by a controversial set of two diesel/ gas turbine engines and a water jet combination. Utilising these forms of propulsion, the ship can be operated in four different modes.
The first is an economical mode in which a single diesel engine drives both propeller shafts, with a maximum propeller speed of 150rpm.
The second mode is when both diesel engines are engaged to drive both shafts, giving a maximum propeller speed of 200rpm – this is usually used for manoeuvring.
The third mode is what is called Codag-Warp in which both diesel engines and the gas turbine are turned on, to provide a maximum propeller speed of 215rpm.
The fourth method uses the gas turbine only to power the water jet. On several occasions when a single diesel engine or both diesel engines have given problems, a frigate has returned home under its own power using just the gas turbine/water jet.
The combined propulsion system with exhaust fumes ejected just above water level has been considered controversial and experimental, in that these ships are among the first to make use of this system on any of the German designed and built Meko class of ships. They stand out by not having regular ships’ funnels – instead, water is sprayed into the exhaust duct and expelled at the stern, immediately above the waterline. This reduces the ship’s infrared signature.
According to unconfirmed reports, at least one engine of SAS Spioenkop is going to need replacing. This is not really a surprise as the propulsion problems first manifested themselves some years ago and after protracted discussion an agreement was reached with the engine builders on a replacement programme.
Of the four frigates, SAS Amatola underwent a double engine replacement here in Durban about two years ago combined with a midlife refit. The next ship due for its mid-life upgrade is SAS Isandlwana, but this has been the subject of delays already and there is no indication currently as to when this upgrade will start.
SAS Spioenkop returned earlier this year from a lengthy deployment to India, where the ship represented the South African Navy at India’s international fleet review, which was held on the east coast of India. Afterwards the frigate took part in the Ibsamar naval exercise involving ships of the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa.
In 2008 Spioenkop paid an official visit to China, becoming the first SA Navy ship to visit that country. The occasion was a celebration of 10 years of South Africa-China diplomatic relations and during this deployment the ship called at Shanghai, held exercises with ships of China’s navy and visited other ports in the southeast Asia region.
The frigate’s woes are not the only ones being experienced by the navy. The combat support ship SAS Drakensberg has also had a propulsion breakdown and has been at Salisbury Island undergoing repairs.
SAS Drakensberg is the navy’s largest ship and was built here in Durban in 1987, at the Sandock Austral Shipyard, now occupied by Southern African Shipyards.