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ABB to boost five Fincantieri newbuilds

Five newbuilds at Fincantieri will be fitted with ABB Azipod electric propulsion to cut fuel consumption, at a cost to the shipyard of $150m.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

November 17, 2020

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

The ships, due to enter service between 2023 and 2026, will be powered by twin Azipod units, bringing their total propulsion power to 178 MW. Part of the order includes the largest and most powerful Azipod propulsion units to be installed at the Italian shipyard, with each measuring 20 MW. 

The contract also sees ABB agree to supply Fincantieri with a comprehensive scope of technologies.  

Azipod technology

Each vessel will feature ABB’s integrated electric power plant setup, encompassing generators, drives, switchboards, propulsion transformers and a remote-control system to maneuver the Azipod units from the bridge. 

With the electric drive motor situated in a submerged pod outside the ship hull, the Azipod system can rotate 360 degrees, significantly increasing maneuverability and operating efficiency and cutting fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to conventional shaftline systems, according to ABB.

The ships will be able to leverage ABB Ability Collaborative Operations infrastructure and centers, which use remote equipment monitoring and data analytics to enable predictive maintenance, planned interventions and remote technical support.

Eco-conscious cruising 

‘Our collaboration with ABB spans over two decades, with the first Azipod propulsion installation at Fincantieri dating back to the late 1990s,' commented Luigi Matarazzo, general manager merchant ships division, Fincantieri, as he discussed the shipybuilder making further advances in its 'commitment to environmentally friendly shipping.’ Fincantieri selected efficient Wärtsilä systems for eight new vessels earlier this month.

Juha Koskela, division president, ABB Marine & Ports, added the technology provider is ‘honored to support Fincantieri’s environmental goals’ in fulfilling passengers’ expectations for ‘sustainable journeys.’

One hundred cruise vessels currently use Azipod technology and since its launch three decades ago, Azipod propulsion has saved more than 900,000 tons of fuel in the cruise segment.

Read more about:

ItalyFincantieri

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

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