ABB Wins Major Order Cruise Ships

ABB will equip five new next-generation cruise ships with Azipod electric propulsion in a deal valued at around US$150 million.

The company said it will deliver a comprehensive scope of technologies for the ships, which are being built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri

Each cruise ship will be powered by twin Azipod units, bringing the total ordered propulsion power for the five newbuilds to 178 MW. Part of the order includes the largest and most powerful Azipod propulsion units ever to be installed at Fincantieri, rating at 20 MW each. The vessels will enter service between 2023 and 2026.
“We look forward to collaborating with Fincantieri on these world-class vessels, setting them on course for eco-conscious cruising. Today’s passengers expect sustainable journeys, and we are honored to support Fincantieri’s environmental goals with our technology that stands for innovation and efficiency like no other,” said Juha Koskela, division president, ABB Marine & Ports.
With the electric drive motor situated in a submerged pod outside the ship hull, the Azipod system can rotate 360^o, significantly increasing maneuverability and operating efficiency of a vessel and cutting fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to conventional shaftline systems, the company said.
Today, over 100 cruise vessels rely on Azipod technology, which has become the industry standard in the cruise segment. Options for Azipod propulsion range from 1 to 22 MW.
“Our collaboration with ABB spans over two decades, with the first Azipod propulsion installation at Fincantieri dating back to late 1990s. Today, we are taking further advancements in our commitment to environmentally friendly shipping, and we are delighted to once again work with a trusted partner whose solutions have over the years delivered superior performance, reliability, safety and sustainability gains for the cruise segment,” said Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager Merchant Ships Division, Fincantieri.
Each vessel will also feature ABB’s integrated electric power plant setup, encompassing generators, drives, switchboards, propulsion transformers and a remote-control system to maneuver the Azipod units from the bridge. Combining Azipod propulsion with the electric power plant allows to configure all relevant equipment for optimized performance, resulting in increased efficiency and sustainability of operations.