Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri is to equip five newbuild cruise vessels with Azipod electric propulsion systems from ABB as part of a $150 million deal, with the ships to be equipped with remote monitoring and analytics functionality from delivery for data-driven management of equipment performance.
Each cruise ship will be powered by twin Azipod units, including the most powerful Azipod propulsion units ever to be installed at Fincantieri at 20 megawatts each, as well as ABB’s integrated electric power plant setup, encompassing generators, drives, switchboards, propulsion transformers and a remote-control system to manoeuvre the Azipod units from the bridge.
All five cruise vessels will have the capability to access ABB’s Ability Collaborative Operations infrastructure and centres once they enter service, which use remote equipment monitoring and data analytics to enable predictive maintenance, planned interventions and remote technical support.
“We look forward to collaborating with Fincantieri on these world-class vessels, setting them on course for eco-conscious cruising,” said Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine & Ports.
“Today’s passengers expect sustainable journeys, and we are honoured to support Fincantieri’s environmental goals with our technology that stands for innovation and efficiency like no other.”
The vessels will enter service between 2023 and 2026.
