ABB
signed contracts worth more than $100m in September to supply Azipod propulsion, power generation and distribution systems for four new vessels, ranging from luxury cruise liners to arctic tankers.
‘We are delighted with the continuing strength in marine construction and the confidence of our customers,’ said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. ‘Our marine solutions help vessels of all kinds operate safely in demanding environments, while significantly boosting maneuverability and fuel efficiency.’
Two new cruise vessels, one for Holland America Line and one for Costa Crociere, will be equipped with two 17.6 megawatt (MW) Azipod units each, along with medium-voltage generators, main switchboards, frequency converters, bow thruster motors and transformers. The deliveries are scheduled for 2008 and 2009 by Fincantieri of Italy.
Two Arctic shuttle tankers for Russian energy transporter Sovcomflot will be equipped with two 8.5 MW Azipod units. ABB says the ships will meet Russian Maritime Register ice class LU7 requirements and will feature a Double Acting Tanker (DAT) design which allows operation in either direction. The vessels will be built at the Admiralty Shipyard in
, with delivery scheduled for 2009.
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I'd like to know where these are operating in the UK. The report is notably light on this. I wonder why?