Azipod ® propulsion and electrical systems for two new 4,100 passenger cruise ships

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won orders worth more than $60 million to provide complete power and Azipod ® propulsion systems for two new cruise ships to be built by Meyer Werft at its shipyard in Papenburg, Germany for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL). The ABB order for the first ship was booked in 2011 and for the second vessel  in the first quarter of 2012.

Founded in 1795, Meyer Werft builds special-purpose ships, and is especially well known for the construction of huge, modern and highly sophisticated cruise vessels. The new ships are the first vessels in Royal Caribbean’s new class of cruise ships, currently named “Project Sunshine.” The 158,000-gt ships will have a capacity of more than 4,100 passengers; in addition to redesigned spaces to optimize capacity and fuel use while maintaining passenger comfort, RCL and Meyer Werft will incorporate the latest energy efficiency and environmental technologies on the ship.

ABB’s delivery will help the new ships maximize their fuel efficiency, speed and maneuverability, reduce emissions,  as well as provide a reliable power supply to improve the availability of onboard equipment, to help RCL meet its energy efficiency and environmental impact targets.

The vessels are scheduled for delivery to RCL in fall 2014 and spring 2015.

ABB will supply a complete electrical systems for the new ships, the delivery for each ship includes power generation and distribution systems, thruster motors, and two 20.5 MW propulsion systems including transformers, drives and two Azipod® XO propulsion units. ABB’s energy efficient Azipod propulsion uses less fuel than traditional systems, and provides greater maneuverability in all operating conditions.

“ABB offers the cruise ship industry the latest generation of technical solutions and solid electrical infrastructure that optimize vessel performance while enhancing passenger comfort and safety,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “We are pleased that as the cruise ship market rebounds, a number of shipbuilders have chosen our market-leading Azipod propulsion systems for the next generation of cruise vessels.”

ABB recently won a number of large cruise ship orders for its Azipod propulsion in the first quarter of 2012. Azipod propulsion systems can have huge impact on the operating efficiency of ships and floating vessels, and can reduce their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 20 percent.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people.