ABB propulsion for Genting quintet

The vessels are being built for Genting Hong Kong brands Crystal Cruises and Star Cruises, and delivery of the five vessels is scheduled for 2019 onwards.

“Cooperation with ABB will further strengthen and support our vision to build the world´s most modern and efficient cruise vessels. Together with MV Werften and ABB we will incorporate the latest technology into our luxury cruise ships,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, executive chairman of the Genting Group.

The three Crystal Cruises’ luxury “Endeavor Class” mega-yachts will feature a Polar Class 6 and enable cruising in the Arctic; then follow the route of migrating whales along the coast of the Americas and Europe to Antarctica during winter.

While, the Star Cruises “Global Class” vessels will be two of the largest on the market with 204,000 tonnes registered tonnage each – specifically designed for the Asian cruise market.

Jarmo Laakso, managing director of MV Werften, said: “Our yards have a long experience in the shipbuilding industry and we are extremely pleased to cooperate with the leading propulsion and automation system provider in the industry. This full scope from ABB Marine and Ports will guarantee us the best available equipment and experienced high-level project management to work with.”

The five vessels will all feature a complete ABB propulsion system, electric power plant, automation and marine software system.

Three Crystal ships will be powered by two Azipod D units each to enable the ships to navigate polar conditions and the two new Star Cruises “Global Class” ships will each be installed with three Azipod XO thrusters.

Approximately two thirds of the modern large cruise ships, icebreakers and high ice-class cargo vessels are fitted with Azipod propulsion. Cruise owners have been using Azipod units for two decades favouring its increased efficiency manoeuvrability and space saving properties over shaft-line systems.

“We are seeing increased interest in the polar regions from the passenger sector, so our expertise in the cruise and ice-going sectors means we are ideally positioned and can fully support our customers with their new projects,” concluded Marcus Högblom, vice president of global sales, passenger vessels and Azipod propulsion said: