In the year 2000, the UK Ministry of Defence placed the order for a new fleet of  Type 45 Destroyers from BAE Systems as part of the Royal Navy’s fleet renewal programme. These six ships are the most advanced ships of their type ever built for the UK Royal Navy. HMS Daring is the first of the new Type 45 class of Anti-Air Warfare Destroyers being built at BAE Systems' shipyard in Glasgow, UK.

Wärtsilä solution
Wärtsilä received an order for six generating sets with Wärtsilä 12V200 engines as the prime movers. Each Type 45 Destroyer has an IEP (Integrated Electric Propulsion) system consisting of two gas turbine alternators and two Wärtsilä 12V200 diesel alternators. The vessel also features M series seals which are manufactured and tested to MILSPEC, fully shock tested to NATO standards and approved through testing by the UK Royal Navy, US Department of Defence and other navies.

The Wärtsilä 200 engines are very suitable for the naval ship market and several features of the Wärtsilä 200 will be of benefit to the Royal Navy: modern technology of medium-speed engines applied to a 1200 rpm generating set, full compatibility with the high level of automation required for this advanced technology warship, full compliance with IMO NOx emissions and long time between overhauls.

The M series stern shaft seal has an excellent pedigree, seeing service in over 70 of the world’s navies. An innovative wrapped bellows design incorporating fully or partially split assemblies enables installation and service of the equipment without the need to remove the propeller or tail-shaft. An inflatable maintenance seal is provided for service and repair without the need to dock the vessel, and an optional auxiliary packing system can be incorporated into the unit.

The M series seal has been designed to accept high vibrations and the large radial and axial movements found with water lubricated bearings, and can accommodate bearing wear without affecting performance.