Royal Caribbean Choose ABB Azipods for Two Newbuildings

ABB wins order for Azipod propulsion & 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 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 will supply a complete electrical systems for the new ships,including 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