ABB Nets $60 million Propulsion Contract

ABB wins $60 million marine order for energy efficient propulsion system. Energy-efficient propulsion and reliable electrical systems for two new cruise ships to be built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

  
ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth $60 million to provide complete power and propulsion systems for two new cruise ships to be built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries at their shipyard in Nagasaki, Japan, for German cruise line operator AIDA. ABB’s delivery will help the ships maximize their fuel efficiency, speed and maneuverability, as well as provide a reliable power supply to improve the availability of onboard equipment. Each of the 125,000 ton cruise ships will have a passenger capacity of 3,250, and will be the largest ships ever constructed for AIDA, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation. The new ships are scheduled to for delivery in March 2015 and March 2016.

“ABB’s comprehensive solutions for our ship building customers include the most technologically advanced and energy efficient propulsion systems to help massive ships improve their maneuverability while using less fuel,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “We also provide the reliable and efficient power systems needed to keep all onboard systems running at all times for optimum safety and passenger comfort.” ABB will supply complete electrical systems for both ships; including generators, propulsion , engine room and distribution transformers, frequency converters, bow thruster motors, and other related power system equipment, as well as its latest generation Azipod XO propulsion systems.  ABB’s energy efficient Azipod propulsion uses less fuel than traditional systems, and provides greater maneuverability in all operating conditions.