The Navy is pioneering a “hybrid electric drive” to propel new ships as it seeks to cut consumption of fuel and be more environmentally conscious. Navy ships accounted for roughly 40% of the fuel consumption across the DoD in 2008. The Office for Naval Research is hoping to improve that figure.

Benefit of a hybrid electric ship drive include an uninterruptible power supply and energy savings derived from the fact that only one generator at a time needs to be operated. It is estimated that when put into action on a ship, the electric drive will save thousands of barrels of oil every year by cutting fuel consumption 10% or more.

In December 2008, the Makin Island became the first-ever U.S. Navy ship with a hybrid gas turbine-electric propulsion system tested at sea. Though construction began on the ship in 2004, the unfinished amphibious assault ship sustained damage during Hurricane Katrina while under construction at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi. The Makin Island will be officially commissioned in San Diego on October 24.

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