Solutions will help vessel to navigate icy waters in the polar regions when she is delivered in 2020
By
Elizabeth Robinson |
ABB is to deliver power, automation, propulsion and digital solutions for Lindblad Expeditions’ first purpose-built polar cruise vessel.
Designed by Ulstein Design and Solutions, the ice-class polar expedition cruise ship will be built by Norwegian yard Ulstein Verft and be delivered in the first quarter of 2020. The vessel will be equipped with ABB’s power and automation solutions, as well as two Azipod DO propulsion units. In addition to enabling the vessel to navigate through sea ice, Azipod DO units require 25% less installed power than propulsors of equivalent performance.
“We are excited to partner with ABB to help build our blue-water vessel, one of the most technologically advanced expedition vessels in the industry,” said Nikolaos Doulis, senior vice president of newbuildings at Lindblad Expeditions. “Our selection of ABB is based on our experience of the company as a reliable, innovative partner. ABB Azipod propulsion offers major safety benefits for our vessel with exceptional fuel consumption, high performance in demanding ice conditions, and remarkably improved onboard comfort.”
The newbuild will also be equipped with ABB Ability System 800xA to improve efficiency and safety. The solution integrates power, propulsion and vessel management systems into one platform, allowing both crew and onshore teams to get an overview of all the information needed to operate the vessel. The vessel will also use the ABB Ability Collaborative Operations functionality to connect to ABB’s Collaborative Operations Centre infrastructure, which monitors the performance of ABB technology onboard and remotely connects ship operators with ABB experts. “The emergence of a distinct market for expedition cruise ships bound for polar waters plays into two areas of ABB expertise,” said Juha Koskela, managing director of ABB Marine and Ports. “Electrical solutions are more reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible than their mechanical counterparts, as well as better aligned with digitalisation. Similarly, Azipod propulsion achieves greater manoeuvrability and improves passenger and crew comfort onboard, while its gearless construction reduces environmental risk.”
ABB has also been contracted to provide Azipod propulsion units for Ponant’s new ice-class hybrid expedition cruise ship.
“We are very aware of plans to build luxury ships with sufficient ice-breaking strength to follow the course set by the great polar explorers,” said Koskela. “We are also aware that these most adventurous of owners are already planning to choose hybrid electric propulsion and integrated solutions that enable an increasing level of automation.”