MSC Cruises newbuild duo to have GE electrical propulsion

MARCH 12, 2015 — GE has now been selected to lead the Italian consortium that will power MSC Cruises’ two 5,300 passenger Seaside platform cruise ships, ordered at Fincantieri last May, with an option for a third ship (see previous story).

The two new cruise ships will join the cruise line’s existing fleet of 12 vessels, all of which use electrical propulsion from GE.

With a length of 323 m, a width of 41 m and a height of 70 m, the new ships will have a gross tonnage of 154,000 tons and will be the largest thus far built by the Italian shipbuilding giant.T

The GE Marine technology chosen by Fincantieri has eliminated the need for harmonic filters and reactive power compensation and therefore, says GE, offers improved safety among other benefits. The GE solution will also require a less complicated installation and cabling process while the reduced weight on board ships brings fuel savings and altogether lowers MSC’s operating costs.

“In an increasingly competitive market it is crucial to keep advancing with safer and more efficient solutions,” said Massimo Costa, VP and Head of Purchasing, Cruise Bureau, Fincantieri.

“GE Power Conversion produces the right technology to simplify our operation,” added Emilio La Scala, General Manager, MSC Cruisetech.

Leading the project consortium with other Italian partners, GE will provide on-board technology that includes propulsion control along with transformers, VFDs core components, slow speed propulsion motors and distribution transformers.

GE’s scope of work includes:

Propulsion

• 4 transformers: 4 x 12.8 MVA
• 4 propulsion drive design, control and power stacks
• 2 synchronous propulsion motors: 2 x 20 MW 123 rpm

Distribution

• 6 Engine Room transformers: 4 x 4 MVA
• 2 “Shore connection” Engine Room transformers: 2 x 4 MVA
• 6 accommodation transformers: 6 x 1.8 MVA
• 2 galley transformers: 2 x 2 MVA

“We are extremely pleased that Fincantieri and MSC Crociere have once again chosen GE for the propulsion of their ships, and we feel confident that with GE Power Conversion heading up the project we will see a successful outcome,” said Paul English, Marine Leader, GE Power Conversion. “As the popularity of cruise holidays continues to grow, we anticipate the demand for cruise ships to virtually double within a decade. We are excited to be part of this fast growing industry.”