Rolls Royce Wins Significant Fincantieri Cruise Ship Contract

Rolls-Royce signs extensive equipment orders with Italian cruise ship builder Fincantieri for Viking Cruises' 2 newbuildings.

Viking Cruises recently ordered two cruise ships from Fincantieri and have chosen the highly-efficient Rolls-Royce integrated rudder and propulsion system, called Promas, for their vessels. This is the first time that a Promas propulsion system is being installed on a new-build cruise vessel.

During extensive tank tests, the Promas system demonstrated that it would provide a significantly higher efficiency increase compared with reference propulsion systems for these vessels.

Neil Gilliver, Rolls-Royce, President - Merchant, said: "Our highly efficient Promas propulsion system demonstrated an outstanding performance during tank testing. While many cruise vessels are now experiencing significant improvements in operational efficiency following Promas upgrades, the installation of this innovative propulsion system during the new-build process will enable Viking Cruises to benefit from the enhanced operational efficiency starting with its maiden voyage."

In addition to the Promas propulsion system, Rolls-Royce will deliver deck machinery and steering gear for the Viking Cruises vessels. The vessels are due for delivery in 2015 and 2016.

The contracts have a total value of approximately £3 million to Rolls-Royce.