ABB books $60 million order for Star Cruises newbuild duo

JANUARY 19, 2015 — ABB has won orders worth $60 million to deliver complete electrical power plant and propulsion systems for two cruise ships to be built for Star Cruises  by Meyer Werft at its Papenburg, Germany, shipyard.

ABB will supply complete electrical systems for the new vessels, including power generation and distribution systems and thruster motors, as well as its latest-generation Azipod XO propulsion system, with a power output of 20.5 megawatts (MW).

“This order from Meyer Werft for Star Cruises vessels demonstrates that leading cruise ship owners, in addition to prioritizing passenger comfort, demand outstanding maneuverability and overall cost efficiency from the vessels,” said Heikki Soljama, Managing Director of ABB’s business unit Marine and Ports. “Our successful track record in delivering the best solutions to meet these demands has resulted in ABB establishing a leading position in the cruise vessel market.”

“Star Cruises has successfully operated cruise vessels with conventional ABB electric propulsion since the late 1990s,” says Captain Gustaf Grönberg, SVP Marine Operations & Newbuilding, Star Cruises. “For our newbuilding project we evaluated alternative propulsion concepts and selected Azipod because the proven fuel savings and improved safety of operations are a good match with our needs.”

The 150,000 gross tonnage, 330-meter cruise ships with 1,682 passenger cabins will be able to accommodate 4,925 passengers each and will be delivered by the shipbuilder one apiece in fall 2016 and 2017.