Royal Caribbean’s two new 158,000-ton cruise ships will have a new energy efficient Azipods when they are delivered fall of 2014 and spring of 2015. ABB, a leader in azipod propulsion has received the orders for both ships, totaling $60-million.

Azipod units (pictured right) act as both the ships thrust and rudder, giving the ship 360-degree control, compared to tradition vessels that have a rudder to steer and separate propeller for propulsion.  The new azipod units will provide better maneuverability and less fuel.

“We are pleased that as the cruise ship market rebounds, a number of shipbuilders have chosen our market-leading Azipod propulsion systems for the next generation of cruise vessels,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s process automation division.

The two Project Sunshine ships are being built at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenbury, Germany.

Source: ABB

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