• ABB signs a long-term service agreement to enhance vessel efficiency and strengthen collaboration on maritime decarbonization
• Agreement includes maintenance commitment for 33 ships equipped with Azipod® propulsion

ABB has entered into a 15-year service contract with Royal Caribbean Group, a global leader in the vacation sector operating a fleet of 67 vessels across five brands that traverse all seven continents, strengthening their enduring partnership to enhance the company’s maritime performance objectives. Spanning 33 current vessels, this extensive agreement encompasses preventive maintenance and digital technologies to enhance propulsion efficiency, boost maritime safety, optimize fleet uptime, and guarantee rapid servicing cycles for scheduled Azipod® propulsion maintenance. Financial details remain undisclosed.

“Our collaboration with Royal Caribbean Group spans nearly three decades, beginning with the installation of Azipod® propulsion on one of the world’s largest cruise ships at the time,” said Juha Koskela, President of ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “Since then, we’ve partnered on numerous pioneering projects. This service agreement marks an important milestone in our journey together and highlights the critical role of ABB’s solutions in modernizing and maintaining the performance of one of the world’s most innovative cruise fleets.”

Since its introduction more than three decades ago, Azipod® propulsion has transformed maritime operations, providing significant advancements in performance, efficiency, sustainability, and reliability, solidifying its status as a leading solution in modern shipping. The gearless, steerable propulsion system, featuring an external pod-mounted electric drive motor, achieves 360-degree rotation to enhance maneuverability and fuel efficiency, reducing consumption by up to 20% compared to traditional shaftline systems. Over 25 years of cruise ship applications have resulted in cumulative fuel savings exceeding one million tons within the cruise industry alone.

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