GE Leads Marine Gas Turbine Market, But Rivals Challenge Position

by Stuart Slade, I&M Systems Analyst, Forecast International.

The startling thing about the marine gas turbine market is that only three companies maintain a significant market presence. Since gas turbines came to dominate the warship propulsion sector in the 1980s, the major players have absorbed the minor ones, resulting in the present level of market centralization.

The key players in the marine gas turbine market are GE, Rolls-Royce, and Zorya-Mashproekt. GE is the undoubted leader with nearly half the market. It owes this position to its virtual monopoly of the U.S. Navy market during the 1980s and 1990s.  Until very recently, every U.S. Navy surface combatant was powered by GE LM2500 gas turbines.  This monopoly position is now being challenged by Rolls-Royce, currently the second supplier in terms of market share but whose MT30 Marine Trent gas turbine is winning growing acceptance. The MT30 was selected for the DDG-1000 missile destroyer and the LCS-1 Littoral Combat Ship, and there are rumors that future groups of the DDG-51 destroyer might use the MT30 as well. Meanwhile, the follow-on to the LCAC, the Ship-to-Shore Connector, will use Rolls-Royce MT7 gas turbines.  The battle between GE and Rolls-Royce will be profoundly important to the entire naval shipbuilding industry.

The third participant, Zorya-Mashproekt, offers a range of gas turbines derived from those used to power Soviet warships during the Cold War.  The political problems in Ukraine mean that most Zorya sales are currently achieved by way of licensed producers in China and India.  Once these problems are resolved, Zorya is likely to regain its full market impact.

This market assessment of the marine gas turbine sector is based on the Forecast International Industrial and Marine Gas Turbine Database, a comprehensive listing of more than 41,150 gas turbine installations, of which 3,916 (9.51 percent) are marine gas turbines used for propulsion and 933 (2.27 percent) are gas turbines used for onboard power generation. The Industrial and Marine Gas Turbine Database is a unique reference source that contains details of every propulsion gas turbine that has ever been installed in a warship.

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Please feel free to use this content with Forecast International and analyst attributions, along with a link to the article. Contact Ray Peterson at +1 (203) 426-0800 or via email at ray.peterson@forecast1.com for additional analysis.


With over 70 engine program reports – from 1,200 kW to over 300 MW, Forecast International’s Industrial & Marine Turbine Forecast provides the tools required to make informed strategic decisions in an expanding marketplace. This service features five Market Segment Analyses covering Microturbines, Mechanical Drive Engines, Electrical Power Generation, Marine Power, and Steam Turbines for Combined-Cycle Installation. Included among the eight appendices are a breakout of consolidated production statistics and a directory of Industrial & Marine manufacturers and packagers.

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For 50 years, Forecast International intelligence reports have been the aerospace and defense industry standard for accurate research, analysis, and projections. Our experienced analysts compile, evaluate, and present accurate data for decision makers. FI's market research reports offer concise analysis of individual programs and identify market opportunities. Each report includes a program overview, detailed statistics, recent developments and a competitive analysis, culminating in production forecasts spanning 10 or 15 years. Let our market intelligence reports be a key part of reducing uncertainties and mastering your specific market and its growth potential. Find out more at www.forecastinternational.com

About Forecast International

For 50 years, Forecast International intelligence reports have been the aerospace and defense industry standard for accurate research, analysis, and projections. Our experienced analysts compile, evaluate, and present accurate data for decision makers. FI's market research reports offer concise analysis of individual programs and identify market opportunities. Each report includes a program overview, detailed statistics, recent developments and a competitive analysis, culminating in production forecasts spanning 10 or 15 years. Let our market intelligence reports be a key part of reducing uncertainties and mastering your specific market and its growth potential. Find out more at www.forecastinternational.com

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