MAINSAIL ISSUE 8_LOW3

Hybrid Cruise
Azipod® propulsion, the ABB technology that has become the industry standard
in the cruise segment since its launch in 1990, has secured its 100th cruise ship
order, winning a contract for powering the world’s first electric hybrid icebreaker.
The luxury polar expedition cruise ship, due delivery for the French cruise
company PONANT in 2021, will feature two Azipod® VI propulsion units
fit for the most challenging ice conditions. Upon delivery from Norway’s
Vard Søviknes, a Fincantieri Company, the cruise ship will take passengers to
unexplored destinations in Arctic and Antarctic waters. In the harsh conditions
of ice-covered seas, Azipod units with 6-meter propellers and combined power
of 34 MW will help the vessel achieve greater maneuverability and efficiency, as
well as lower the environmental impact. Due to minimal noise and vibration,
Azipod propulsion will also improve passenger and crew comfort.
Ponant icebreaker
ABB's Azipod propulsion passes
100 cruise ship milestone with
PONANT order
“We are delighted that PONANT chose to rely on ABB’s leading expertise both
in cruise and ice-going vessel propulsion for their pioneering vessel,” said Juha
Koskela, Managing Director, ABB Marine & Ports. “Azipod units already power
more than 80 vessels navigating in icy seas, and reaching the 100th cruise ship
order highlights ABB’s commitment to a technology with superior performance,
reliability, safety and environmental profile.” MS
Propulsion system of choice for
cruise vessels around the world
The first Azipod order from a cruise ship customer in 1995 led to installations
on board the Carnival Cruise Lines Fantasy-class newbuildings Elation and
Paradise. An order from Royal Caribbean Cruises came in 1997, with three
Azipod units installed on the biggest cruise ship of its time – Voyager of the
Seas. Other large cruise lines followed, selecting Azipod propulsion for their
vessels. “At the beginning of the 1990s, we entered the cruise market with a
technology offering a 10-15% efficiency gain over conventional shaftline systems
and a gearless construction that reduces environmental impact,” said Marcus
Högblom, Head of the Passenger, Ice & Dry Cargo segment, ABB Marine &
Ports. “Since then, the cruise market has been increasingly choosing Azipod
propulsion. We estimate that energy savings equivalent to 700,000 tons of fuel
have been made in the cruise sector due to the selection of Azipod.”
from natural resources to finished products. As title partner of Formula E, the fully electric
international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to
a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 135,000 employees.
www.abb.com MS
Creditline: JLA Media Ltd
WE ESTIMATE THAT ENERGY SAVINGS
EQUIVALENT TO 700,000 TONS OF FUEL HAVE
BEEN MADE IN THE CRUISE SECTOR DUE TO THE
SELECTION OF AZIPOD
Options for Azipod propulsion now span 1.5MW to 22MW, and the technology
has played a key role in developing ABB Marine & Ports’ strong position for
environmentally-friendly electric propulsion.
Utilizing the ABB Ability Collaborative Operation Center infrastructure, ABB
experts are able to monitor the operational parameters of the Azipod cruise
fleet and coordinate remote equipment analysis, diagnostics, and predictive
maintenance services.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics
and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and
transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than
130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value
propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries
Azipod
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