Next generation Amphibious Vessel: an innovative power and propulsion system

The main purpose of Navy amphibious ships is to transport Marines, their weapons, equipment, and supplies toward distant operating areas to enable the conduction of expeditionary operations ashore. Although amphibious ships can be used to support Marines' landings against opposing military forces, they are also employed for operations in peace. This kind of vessel has large storage capability, which enables them to operate helicopters and landing crafts for the transfer of personnel and supplies from ship to shore without the need for port facilities. Thanks to their versatility, amphibious ships are in force in all major Navies. The main purpose of this paper is to carry out a study about the power and propulsion system of the next-generation Landing Platform Dock. This study proposes an innovative Integrated Electrical and Electronic Power System with a DC zonal power distribution system and full electric pod propulsion. The DC zonal power distribution will allow the installation onboard of innovative components and weapons (e.g., Laser Gun and modular fixed-face radar), while pod propulsion will improve the dynamic positioning capability, a key feature for this type of ship.