ABB has won a range of orders to supply propulsion systems for two new Crystal Cruises ships to reduce lifecycle costs of the ships and help them to operate at optimum efficiency.
Four of ABB’s Azipod XO units, designed to offer gearless steerable propulsion to the ship utilising an electric drive motor contained in a submerged pod outside the ship’s hull, will be fitted to the cruise ships.
Two of the units will be capable of up to 22 megawatts (MW) of power each and two with 19 MW each, the optimal propulsion solution for both open water and high-class ice operation, while one of the systems is specifically designed for ice-going services.
In addition to the Azipods, Crystal Cruises’ Exclusive Class of ships will also feature ABB’s 800xA automation system, with an EMMA Energy Management System and fleet management suite in order to analyse historical data and compare it to current conditions to provide advice on operating in the most energy efficient way possible.
The ABB equipment will enable this class of cruise ships to operate virtually anywhere in the globe.
The two new cruise ships have been built by the Lloyd Werft Group in Germany.
