ABB to supply seven Azipods for new cruise vessels

ABB has signed a contract with Meyer Werft of Papenburg, Germany, to supply a total integrated solution of electrical power, distribution, Azipod propulsion and automation systems for two cruise vessel newbuildings. The 93,000gt, 2,400 lower berth vessels will be built for Norwegian Cruise Line and are scheduled for delivery in autumn 2005 and spring 2006. The ABB deliveries will include two cycloconverter-controlled Azipod propulsion systems rated at 19,5 MW each, generators for the main power plant and the medium voltage distribution system as well as integrated alarm, monitoring and control systems ( IAMCS).

ABB has also signed a contract with Kvaerner Masa-Yards, Finland, to supply the electric power plant and Azipod propulsion system for Royal Caribbean?s cruise vessel newbuilding. The working name for the vessel is ?Ultra Voyager? and will be about 15% larger than the 137,000gt Voyager-class vessels thereby becoming the world?s largest cruise ship by gross tonnage (158,000gt) and passenger capacity (3,600). The vessel will be delivered in May 2006.

The electric propulsion plant will include the supply of three 14 MW cycloconverter-controlled Azipod propulsion units, one being fixed midships and two azimuthing. The Azipod units will be built in Vuosaari, Finland. In addition to the three Azipod propulsion units, ABB will also supply the power plant consisting of six 12.3MW main generators, 11kV main switchboard, four 3.4MW bow thruster motors, and 18 transformers.