Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France has ordered ABB electric propulsion systems and remote support for two mega-yachts being built for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
Each vessel will weigh 46,750 gross tons and will be powered by a pair of ABB Azipod propulsion units, each outputting 5.5MW. As a result, the combined power output will be 4.4MW greater than that of the Evrima – another Ritz-Carlton vessel featuring ABB Azipods – which is scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage in August 2022.
ABB’s electric propulsion system will cut fuel consumption by 20% compared with yachts utilizing a conventional shaft line setup. Furthermore, the sustainable system will enable efficient maneuvering with less noise and low vibration levels. ABB will also supply its remote-control system to enable the Azipod units to be maneuvered from the vessel’s bridge.
The first mega-yacht is scheduled for delivery in 2024 and the second in 2025. Both vessels will have the capacity to carry 456 passengers.
“We trusted in ABB to supply the propulsion technology for our vessels featuring the highest level of service and craftsmanship,” said Douglas Prothero, CEO of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “Our successful collaboration with the company has convinced us to call on its expertise again to equip our forthcoming sister ships, which will offer the same high standards as Evrima.”
“We chose to work with ABB on this project based on their proven track record in supplying leading-edge technologies for high-end vessels, and the unrivaled ability to support shipyards with complex assignments,” commented Arnaud Le Joncour, program director at Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “ABB is a long-term, trusted partner of ours and we are delighted to expand our collaboration to a new vessel segment, leveraging the Azipod propulsion units. This is an important project for all parties and we look forward to the outcome.”