ABB partners with Norwegian Cruise to boost fleet efficiency and sustainability
ABB and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) signed a long-term partnership agreement to accelerate the decarbonization and digitalization of the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) fleet.
Targeting increased safety and efficiency, the agreement covers 14 ships and four vessels due for delivery from 2025 to 2028.
The first phase of the partnership includes a 10-year Azipod propulsion service agreement for the fleet, providing efficient preventive maintenance to support safety and maximize vessel availability, as well as fast turnaround for planned Azipod propulsion maintenance.
In addition, ABB will supply modernization of the propulsion control system for 11 vessels and shore connection installations on board four ships. With these planned installations, the NCL fleet can connect to the shoreside power supply for emissions-free operations while in port.
Patrik Dahlgren, executive vice president of Vessel Operations at NCLH, said: “We are pleased to solidify our long-term collaboration with ABB in a strategic partnership that aligns with our climate action strategy, centered as it is on the pillars of efficiency, innovation and collaboration.”
“With ABB’s support, we will accelerate the decarbonization and digitalization of our fleet, taking our operations another step forward toward a sustainable future,” he added.
Meanwhile, Juha Koskela, division president of ABB Marine and Ports, said: “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is a highly valued partner of ABB, and this agreement reaffirms the strong collaboration between our companies. We are pleased to continue our collaboration and see our solutions and services playing an integral role in the modernization of their growing cruise fleet.”
“Through this collaboration, we will help NCLH to achieve safer and more efficient vessel operations while, more broadly, contributing to maritime decarbonization,” she added.
Based in the United States, NCLH operates vessels under three wholly owned subsidiaries: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, all of which incorporate and utilize ABB technologies.
From its creation three decades ago to its leading position in shipping today, Azipod propulsion has revolutionized marine transport by delivering unparalleled gains for performance, efficiency, sustainability and reliability.
The gearless, steerable propulsion system, with the electric drive motor in a pod outside the ship’s hull, can rotate 360 degrees to increase vessel maneuverability and efficiency while cutting fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared to conventional shaftline systems.
Since the first installation on a cruise ship over 25 years ago, Azipod technology has saved more than one million tons of fuel in the cruise segment alone.