Marine electrification specialist ABB has secured a US$150m order to equip five new-build cruise vessels from Fincantieri with its Azipod electric propulsion system.
The company says that each cruise ship will be powered by twin Azipod units, with part of the order including the largest and most powerful Azipod propulsion units ever to be installed at Fincantieri, rating at 20MW 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,” commented Juha Koskela, division president, ABB Marine & Ports.
With the electric drive motor situated in a submerged pod outside the ship hull, ABB states that the Azipod system can rotate 360°, significantly increasing maneuverability and operating efficiency of the vessels, with a claimed reduction in fuel consumption of up to 20% compared with conventional shaftline systems.
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.