Support vessels are vital to the smooth operation of any naval fleet. It is the supply ships, tankers and pollutant spill vessels which constitute the backbone of naval logistics.
These vessels often have to work in arduous, continuous-duty operation, sometimes involving high-risk situations such as gas explosion hazards. Their propulsion systems must deliver reliability, availability, durability, low consumption and ease of maintenance if they are to operate economically.
In addition, integration of MTU's ship's automation systems means that the propulsion system can be operated largely automatically as can other areas of the vessel up to and including entire vessel control.