The AG9140RF ship service gas turbine generators sets will provide the main electrical power system for the three ships. Deliveries will begin in 2006 and the first ship will start in-service trials in 2008.
The AG9140RF, which will provide combat system power, is already in service on the US Navy DDG 51 ship class, and similar equipment is in service with the Japanese Defense Agency.
The order, from Seoul-based gas turbine equipment supplier Samsung Techwin, will see the first gas turbine and generator set being produced at the Rolls-Royce Indianapolis plant, and the other eight being assembled by Samsung Techwin from Rolls-Royce supplied kits.
The alternator for the generator set is also planned to be produced by Hyundai under license.
The order continues a close relationship between the two companies, Samsung providing combustors for all Rolls-Royce Trent 900 aero engines as well as providing aftermarket services on the T56, Model 250 and Gem engines.
Saul Lanyado, Rolls-Royce President - Marine, said: "This contract reflects our commitment to partnering in North East Asia. We look forward to developing the existing aero engine relationship with Samsung into the marine sector."
Such agreements are part of the Rolls-Royce strategy for marine growth in North East Asia.
In February the company announced it is also providing six propellers and associated equipment and services, worth more than $8 million, for the same ships, in conjunction with Doosan Heavy Industries.
That contract marked the latest development in a partnership covering 15 years. Other partnering arrangements include Techmate (machinery control systems) and Hyundai Heavy Industries (diesel engines).
The order comes as Rolls-Royce continues to strengthen its regional presence. Brian Waller, Naval Marine Director of Strategic Development - Asia, relocated to Busan, Korea, in August to continue regional business development.
Rolls-Royce operates in four global markets - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy. It is investing in technology and capability that can be exploited in each of these sectors to create a competitive range of products.
The success of these products is demonstrated by the company's rapid and substantial gains in market share over recent years. The company now has a total of 54,000 gas turbines in service worldwide. The investments in product, capability and infrastructure to gain this market position create high barriers to entry.