ABB, the Swiss-Swedish electrotechnical group, will provide the power and propulsion for the first in a series of groundbreaking vessels that mark Ritz Carlton’s first foray into the maritime sector.
The 190-metre long vessel can accommodate 298 passengers and is aimed at providing a more bespoke service than larger cruise ships. The pioneering nature of the project is matched by ABB’s solutions that will optimize energy efficiency and allow the vessel to be remotely monitored from shore. Two Azipod® D propulsors will enable the ship to maneuver efficiently and effectively whilst the Remote Diagnostics Service will empower a smarter approach to maintenance.
Juha Koskela, Managing Director of ABB’s Marine and Ports Business said, “We have been serving the cruise industry for three decades. Our efforts during the last 10 years in building up a solid global network to serve the increasing number of customers have been fruitful. Now new partners wish to make use of this experience. Whether it is the largest cruise ships in the world or these luxurious mega-yachts, we serve our customers with consistent quality globally.”
The Azipod D is ideal for smaller vessels because of its lower installed power. Azipod propulsion has gained its strong position in the passenger segment by making it possible to do away with bulky traditional shaft line systems, with the electric motor installed in a pod outside the hull, freeing up space for more cabins.
The system also produces considerably lower levels of vibration, benefiting the passenger experience. The thrusters’ ability to turn in all directions increases ships access to ports without tug assistance, with the vessel in this case operating in New England, Caribbean and Mediterranean waters. Since its first installation more than 25 years ago, Azipod propulsion has clocked up over 13 million running hours with an availability of 99.8%.