ABB to supply solutions for second Lindblad icegoing cruise ship

Latest Lindblad polar vessel is second of two on order at Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein

ABB is to supply power, automation, propulsion and digital systems for the second icegoing cruise ship to be built for Lindblad Expeditions by Ulstein (see earlier story).

ABB will deliver a full power, distribution, control and automation package for the ship, integrated in the ABB Ability System 800xA, as well as twin 3.5 MW electric Azipod DO propulsors. All systems will be connected 24/7 to the ABB AbilityCollaborative Operations Center infrastructure for remote monitoring and support of vessel systems.

“We are delighted to continue our work with ABB on this second highly innovative polar ship,” said Nikolaos G Doulis, Senior Vice President, New Buildings, Lindblad Expeditions. “Passenger safety and comfort are paramount for any cruise operator, so it is critical that our suppliers can demonstrate proven reliability and offer continuous support via ship-shore connectivity, especially as ships venture to more remote locations and ice conditions.”

ABB is the only supplier of azimuthing electric podded propulsor systems of sufficiently high ice-going class able to meet the owner’s requirements.
“We continuously refine our range of automation, propulsion and digital systems for specific market segments,” said Juha Koskela, Managing Director of ABB Marine & Ports. “We are delighted to be working with Lindblad once more to deliver the ship maneuverability and comfort in ice conditions made possible by the Azipod® DO solution, but also the full scope of ABB’s electric, digital and connected vision offering. ABB’s support in real time is especially compelling in polar waters.”

In addition to minimizing the risk of incidents, ABB has estimated that owners using remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance services through its seven land-based Collaborative Operations Centers can reduce the cost of repairs and maintenance by up to 50 percent, while on-site attendance by technical personnel can be cut by as much as 70 percent.