ABB to power new Crystal Cruises 'Exclusive Class' ships

ABB will deliver four of its Azipod XO units – a gearless steerable propulsion system comprising an electric drive motor contained in a submerged pod outside the ship’s hull – to be used on the new builds.

One of the systems is designed specifically for ice-going service.Two of the units will be capable of up to 22 megawatts (MW) of power each and two of 19 MW each, the optimal propulsion solution for both open water and high ice-class operation.

'We are delighted to start our collaboration with Lloyd Werft and continue our long time cooperation with Crystal Cruises' says Juha Koskela, managing director of ABB’s Marine and Ports unit.

 The ships will also feature ABB’s flagship 800xA automation system, complete with EMMA Energy Management System and fleet management suite. EMMA helps the ship’s operators to run it in the most energy efficient way possible by analyzing historical data and comparing it to current conditions and then advises on improvements. The system also allows benchmarking across the whole fleet.

ABB will also supply drives, electrical power plants and thruster motors.