Cruise Line Chooses ABB to Supply Power, Propulsion Systems

ABB to provide complete power plant & propulsion sytems for German cruise operator TUI Cruises' newbuilding in STX Finland shipyard

ABB, the power and automation technology group, has won an order to provide complete power plant and propulsion systems for the first new build ship for German cruise operator TUI Cruises.

The ship is being built in Finland at the STX Europe yard in Turku. TUI Cruises, a joint venture between German tourism company TUI AG and Royal Caribbean International, is increasing its passenger capacity to serve the growing sea vacation market in German-speaking markets. Shipbuilder STX Europe has worked with ABB on numerous marine projects; ABB’s ability to deliver energy efficient systems was a key decision driver in this project.

ABB’s delivery will help the new ship maximize its onboard energy efficiency while providing a reliable power supply for all equipment and systems, as well as optimize its fuel consumption.

ABB will supply complete power plant and propulsion systems for the new ship, including medium voltage generators, main switchboards, propulsion transformers, propulsion drives, propulsion motors, thruster motors and ring main units for power distribution. ABB will also provide engineering, project management and commissioning services.

“Our Marine business provides the industry’s most complete offering of systems and services to help any large vessel operate at top levels of energy efficiency, while providing the solid electrical infrastructure that ensures reliable operation of all onboard systems,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “ABB’s recent series of project wins in the cruise ship sector underscores the demand for state-of-the-art solutions and supporting services that help these ships operate at peak efficiency over their entire lifecycle.”

Deliveries for the TUI ship are scheduled to start in spring 2013, with commissioning scheduled for early 2014.