ABB wins major power and propulsion order for five Fincantieri vessels
ABB has secured an order of around $150m to deliver a comprehensive scope of technologies to power next-generation cruise ships built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.
ABB will equip five new build vessels with Azipod electric propulsion, which, the company says, has a proven ability to significantly reduce fuel consumption on board.
Each cruise ship will be powered by twin Azipod units, bringing the total ordered propulsion power for the five new builds to 178 megawatts (238,700 horsepower). Part of the order includes the largest and most powerful Azipod propulsion units ever to be installed at Fincantieri, rating at 20 megawatts each. The vessels will enter service between 2023 and 2026.
“We look forward to collaborating with Fincantieri on these world-class vessels, setting them on course for eco-conscious cruising. 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,” says Juha Koskela, division president, ABB Marine & Ports.
With the electric drive motor situated in a submerged pod outside the ship’s hull, the Azipod system can rotate 360 degrees, significantly increasing manoeuvrability and operating efficiency of a vessel and cutting fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent compared to conventional shaftline systems.
Each vessel will also feature 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.
