EVENDALE, Ohio -- GE Marine reports that the first frigate Aquitaine of the Italian-French FREMM program was recently launched at DCNS' shipyard in Lorient, France. The ship is powered by the GE LM2500+G4 gas turbine-based propulsion system. 

Aquitaine sea trials were successfully completed in May 2011. Construction continues on the first Italian Navy FREMM Bergamini, with initial start of the LM2500+G4 gas turbine propulsion system expected within the next few months. 

"FREMM is one of the most important marine programs in Europe since World War II, and GE is delighted to be supplying its LM2500+G4 gas turbine propulsion systems for all the FREMM frigates," said Brien Bolsinger, GE Marine general manager. "GE expects to provide 10 LM2500+G4 gas turbines to the Italian Navy, 17 to the French Navy and one to the Moroccan Navy - all for the FREMM program." 

FREMM marks the initial application in the marine sector for the LM2500+G4 aeroderivative gas turbine, which has 11% more power with respect to the previous model and the best overall power density available. The LM2500+G4 benefits from the high reliability and marine operating experience of its LM2500 predecessor, which has logged more than 13 million hours in marine service. 

The LM2500+G4 gas turbine incorporates proven technology enhancements derived from the latest generation of commercial and military aircraft engines. The LM2500 gas turbine family is used by 31 navies worldwide and was chosen for another Italian-French program, the Horizon-class frigates, as well as for the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour. 

The gas turbines were manufactured at GE's Evendale, Ohio, facility, and the propulsion system was supplied by GE Marine System Supplier Avio under GE license. 

GE Marine is one of the world's leading manufacturers of marine products and services, including aeroderivative gas turbines ranging from 6,000 to 57,300 shaft horsepower. For more information, visit ge.com/marine.