Cruise first for ABB onboard DC grid

The 205m MS Amera has become the first cruise ship to be equipped with ABB’s Onboard DC Grid platform to improve efficiency and lower emissions.

The full scope of ABB’s supply comprises drives, motors and generators, transformer, PEMS, automation technology and shore connection.

“Our aim is to be a leader in sustainable cruising, providing unforgettable travel experiences in some of the world’s most beautiful locations while protecting fragile local ecosystems,” said Johannes Zurnieden, founder and chief executive, Phoenix Reisen.

“We are working towards more efficient and environmentally friendly operations across our fleet and having completed the modernisation of Amera together with ABB, we are confident we are on the right track to achieve this.”

The turnkey project involved the replacement of the MS Amera’s AC system with DC technology. Benefits of the DC-based power distribution system, Onboard DC Grid, reportedly include safer and more efficient vessel operations thanks to the system’s high fault tolerance.

The vessel is also future-proofed as it can be equipped to use low-carbon energy sources such as batteries and fuel cells, helping it meet regulations in emission-controlled areas such as the Norwegian fjords.

ABB’s shore connection system will help the 835-passenger capacity MS Amera also reduce emissions during port calls. Typically, shore connection can reduce daily emissions of cruise ships by 35% when they are docked for eight hours per day.

Tomas Arhippainen, head of Marine Service and Digital, ABB Marine & Ports, said the company was committed to helping customers electrify their fleets. “Modernisation projects, in this case converting the complete power plant from AC to DC and integrating shore connection technology, play a significant part in those efforts,” he said.

“Amera is the first cruise ship to be retrofitted with Onboard DC Grid, making this a milestone project for us, Phoenix Reisen and the cruise industry as a whole.

“This project proves that the benefits of increased efficiency and safety are available not only for newbuild, but also for existing vessels.”