Electric cruise propulsion order for ABB

ABB will supply complete power plant and propulsion systems for the new ship, including medium voltage generators, main switchboards, propulsion transformers, propulsion drives, propulsion motors, thruster motors and ring main units for power distribution. The company will also provide engineering, project management and commissioning services. ABB says that the equipment package will help maximise onboard energy efficiency while providing a reliable power supply for all equipment and systems, as well as optimise fuel consumption. Deliveries are scheduled to start in spring 2013, with commissioning scheduled for early 2014.

“Our marine business provides the industry’s most complete offering of systems and services to help any large vessel operate at top levels of energy efficiency, while providing the solid electrical infrastructure that ensures reliable operation of all onboard systems,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s process automation division. “ABB’s recent series of project wins in the cruise ship sector underscores the demand for state-of-the-art solutions and supporting services that help these ships operate at peak efficiency over their entire lifecycle.”

TUI Cruises is a joint venture between German tourism company TUI and Royal Caribbean International. It intends to increase its passenger capacity to serve the growing German-speaking cruise market.