Caterpillar powers fourth in AIDA club ship series

Built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany’s newest cruise liner is 71,100 grt, measures 252m long, 32.16m wide and has a passenger capacity of 2,192 over 14 decks.

The four MaK 9 M 43 C engines in a diesel-electric configuration provide 36,000 kW for both main propulsion and electric power to the main switchboard. MaK’s flexible camshaft technology (FCT) is said to ensure quiet and smooth running by minimising disturbing vibrations and visible smoke for passengers. Propelled by two podded propulsors, AIDAblu has a service speed of 19.5 knots.

The engines were developed and manufactured by Caterpillar Motoren and project management was in the hands of specialists from Caterpillar Marine Power Systems in Hamburg and Kiel. German-based Cat dealer Zeppelin Power Systems was responsible for taking the engines into operation and will also cater for future engine servicing.

Since 2007, Caterpillar Marine Power Systems has powered each of the recent AIDA Cruises newbuilds, AIDAdiva, AIDAbella, AIDAluna, and now AIDAblu. The original plan from AIDA Cruises was a series of four Sphinx series cruise ships built at Meyer Werft and powered by MaK engines. However, in late 2007, the decision was made to extend the series to six ships to be delivered between 2007 and 2012.