By
Rebecca Gibson |
ABB is to provide Azipod electric propulsion systems and other technologies for five new cruise vessels that are being constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.
As part of the new $150 million contract with Fincantieri, ABB will equip each cruise ship with twin Azipod units, which have an electric drive motor in a submerged pod outside the ship’s hull to allow them to rotate 360 degrees and provide increased manoeuvrability in any sea conditions. The units also cut fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent compared to conventional shaftline systems.
“We look forward to collaborating with Fincantieri on these world-class vessels, setting them on course for eco-conscious cruising,” said Juha Koskela, division president of ABB Marine & Ports. “Today’s passengers expect sustainable journeys, and we are honoured to support Fincantieri’s environmental goals with our technology that stands for innovation and efficiency like no other.”
ABB will also install its integrated electric power plant set-up on each ship. The system includes generators, drives, switchboards, propulsion transformers and a remote-control system to enable the captain to manoeuvre the Azipod units from the bridge. Combining Azipod propulsion with the electric power plant will allow the cruise operators to configure all relevant onboard equipment for optimised performance.
In addition, all the vessels will be connected to the ABB Ability Collaborative Operations infrastructure and centres, which will use remote equipment monitoring and data analytics to enable predictive maintenance, planned interventions and remote technical support.
“Our collaboration with ABB spans over two decades, with the first Azipod propulsion installation at Fincantieri dating back to late 1990s,” said Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the merchant ships division at Fincantieri. “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.”
The vessels will enter service between 2023 and 2026.