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The Oiler USNS "Kanawha" was built in Avondale, La, for the Military Sealift Command and was commissioned in 1991. She is based in Norfolk, VA and is used to supply Navy vessels and aircraft carriers with fuel, while under way. The Kanawha is one out of a series of 16 vessels.
The vessel is equipped with 2 medium speed Pielstik diesel engines with an output of appr. 18,000 horsepower each.
 The vessel has a choice of four propulsion modes, by using combinations of diesel engines and PTO / PTI generators / motors.
PTO = "Power take off",
PTI = "Power take in"
The PTO / PTI generators, supplied by SIEMENS for the last 10 vessels, are variable speed generators / motors using static converters. They are driven by the main diesel engine in "Generator-Mode", and will drive the shaft in "Motor-Mode".
The modes available are:
Mode 1:
Shaft is driven by main diesel engine only. No PTO / PTI operation. SSDG's supply power. Used during maneuvers.
Mode 2:
Shaft is driven by main diesel engine. Generator in PTO-mode, supplying power. One PTO generator can cover entire ship's load. Regular operation at sea.
Mode 3:
Main diesel engine disengaged. Generators in PTI (Motor) mode, driving the propeller. Used for shifting piers and in emergency.
Mode 4:
Main engine disengaged. Generator in PTI mode, driving shaft. The other shaft is driven by main engine. Used for trailing shaft if one engine is not operational.
 
The left photo shows part of the engine control room console with the propulsion control (and Chief Engineer). The right photo shows the simulating panel of the SIEMENS PTO/PTI generator, which allows simulation of every function in the system as well as fault diagnosis.
Ryno Enterprises is providing worldwide service for the SIEMENS equipment on board the T-AO-vessels
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