Podded Propulsion Selected For AMCV Cruise Ships

Ingalls Shipbuilding has selected Kamewa and Alstom Drives & Controls to supply Mermaid electric propulsion systems for two cruise liners, with an option for a third, for the shipowner American Classic Voyages, These vessels are the first cruise ships to be built in the U.S. for a number of years. Each ship will be equipped with two Mermaid-propulsors, each with a rated power of 12.5 MW. The Mermaid system is jointly developed by Kamewa and Alstom with Kamewa responsible for hydrodynamics and Alstom for the electric drive. The new order also includes power generation and high voltage distribution from Alstom Drives & Controls. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in the beginning of the year 2003.