New Propulsion
Makin Island departed on its maiden deployment, as the U. S. Navy’s first hybrid-drive warship: part gas-turbine-electric and part diesel-electric. About 70 percent of the time, Makin Island can use diesel-electric propulsion, saving on fuel, as diesel engines are optimized for cruising and consume much less fuel than gas turbines. When the ship needs to get from Point A to B quickly, at 12 knots or more, it uses the gas turbines.
Once on station, the ship’s mission changes. Its job then is to launch Marines ashore in small boats and aircraft. While the Marines are on the ground, the ship maneuvers in a small area at slow speed, "the perfect scenario" for diesel-electric propulsion.
Fuel savings were said to be “impressive”. On an average day, the Makin Island uses 15,000 gallons of fuel, versus 35,000 to 40,000 gallons on an older steam ship of its type, said Capt. James Landers, commanding officer.
The downside is the logistical “tail,” which means it takes awhile to get parts. Further, the ship is software dependent, which is an independent source of failure.
Read more about this topic: USS Makin Island (LHD-8)