Two Norwegian Cruise Lines ships will be powered with ABB fuel efficient engines, propelling the 143,500 gross tonnage ships and netting the Swiss company more than $50 million for the construction at Papenburg in Germany.
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The company is touting the usage of its engines by Meyer Werft, noting that the contract was completed in part because of the fuel efficiency of the propulsion units and related systems. In addition to more efficient power generation and distribution apparatus, thrusters and 17.5 megawatt electrical propulsion systems will be installed in the two new vessels. ABB notes that the Azipod XO systems combined with the thrusters will maximize near-shore maneuverability.
“[Our] technologically advanced propulsion systems help big ships navigate quickly and safely, using less fuel,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “Our reliable and energy-efficient equipment help cruise operators cut down on fuel consumption and reduce their carbon footprint.”
The orders that are coming in, including this and several orders in Saudi Arabia, have continued to underline the growth that ABB Limited argued would drive revenues in 2011. The two ships under construction in Papenburg, Germany, have a capacity of more than 4,000 cruise passengers, the highest of any German-built ship.
