In a strategic move to bolster operational excellence and ship performance across its expansive fleet, Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) has entered into a robust 15-year partnership agreement with ABB. The collaboration, initiated in the third quarter of 2023, will encompass meticulous maintenance planning, critical spares management, and cutting-edge digital solutions for condition monitoring.
At the core of this enduring alliance is the maintenance of Azipod® XO propulsion systems, which serve as the powerhouse for vessels under several of Carnival Corporation’s esteemed brands, with a primary focus on cruise ships. Azipod® XO propulsion, a creation of ABB, is designed for high-power open water applications and aligns seamlessly with the unique requirements of cruise vessels.
This groundbreaking agreement aims to simplify the service management of Azipod® XO propulsion units. ABB’s team of experts will be available remotely 24/7 to offer unwavering support to the electric engineering crew aboard these vessels. This support will be facilitated through ABB’s state-of-the-art solutions, including the ABB Ability™ Remote Diagnostic System and ABB Ability™ Condition Monitoring for Azipod® propulsion. The integration of these digital tools will empower Carnival Corporation to accumulate crucial data regarding Azipod® propulsion performance, thereby rendering spare part management and dry dock planning increasingly predictable and cost-efficient.
Michael Kaczmarek, Senior Vice President, Marine Technology at Carnival Corporation, spoke about the strategic significance of this agreement. He emphasized, “This agreement helps optimize our long-term fleet performance while supporting our ongoing efforts to further improve energy and fuel efficiency and reduce emissions throughout our global operations.” Kaczmarek also underscored the advantages of enhancing predictability in maintenance costs and spares planning, which are poised to deliver substantial gains in planning, procedures, and overall ship performance over the long term.
Juha Koskela, Division President of ABB Marine & Ports, expressed ABB’s deep commitment to ensuring that Carnival Corporation’s cruise vessels fully benefit from an optimized maintenance plan, comprehensive service offerings, and access to digital services on a global scale.
The history of collaboration between ABB and Carnival Corporation dates back to 1995 when ABB secured its inaugural Azipod® propulsion order for the Carnival Cruise Line’s ship, Carnival Elation. This collaboration has grown steadily, with Azipod® propulsion being specified for more than 40 vessels across various Carnival Corporation cruise brands. Azipod® technology, renowned for its gearless, steerable propulsion system, has revolutionized marine transport. The system, which places the electric drive motor in a pod outside the ship’s hull, can rotate 360 degrees, vastly enhancing vessel maneuverability and efficiency. Notably, it reduces fuel consumption by up to 20% when compared to conventional shaftline systems. Over its three-decade history, Azipod® technology has contributed to substantial fuel savings, with over one million tons of fuel conserved in the cruise segment alone.
ABB, a pioneer in electrification and automation, remains dedicated to driving innovations that expedite industrial transformation. The company’s solutions, which merge engineering expertise with cutting-edge software, have a transformative impact on manufacturing, transportation, power management, and operations, ushering in a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.