ABB has secured a deal to provide power and propulsion systems for the first in a series of cruise vessels to be owned by US-based Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection.
The deal will see ABB deliver a pair of Azipod D propulsors to enable the ship to manoeuvre efficiently and effectively.
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The Azipod units, along with ABB medium voltage power plant elements, will be installed with sensors to create data that can be tracked from the shore by both the shipowner and the ABB Ability Collaborative Operations Centres.
ABB noted that its Azipod system is designed to produce reduced levels of vibration and is roughly 10% more fuel-efficient compared to shaft line systems.
The company will also supply its Remote Diagnostics Service as part of the deal, which aims to offer the operator a smarter approach to vessel maintenance operations.
The ABB solutions will allow the new 'anti-cruise ship' vessel to be remotely monitored from the shore.
ABB Marine and Ports Business managing director Juha Koskela said: “We have been serving the cruise industry for three decades.
“Our efforts during the last ten 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 190m-long anti-cruise ship will be able carry 298 passengers upon completion.
The ship will be manufactured at the H.J. Astilleros Barreras (HJB) yard in Spain, and seeks to offer a greater number of services than larger cruise ships.
It is currently scheduled to begin operation by 2019.
Image: Rendering of anti-cruise ship vessel. Photo: courtesy of Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection.
