Ulstein Verft will build the new vessel which will join sister ship National Geographic Endurance in 2021
By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
ABB is to provide power, automation, propulsion and digital systems for Lindblad Expeditions’ new polar cruise ship. The new vessel will be built by Ulstein Verft and will join sister ship National Geographic Endurance in service in 2021.
The yet-to-be-named ship will carry 126 passengers in luxury cabins to the polar regions. As such, it will feature one of the highest ice-classes and will meet all navigation regulations in the Arctic and Antarctic regions to ensure comfort and safety for its passengers.
ABB will deliver a full power, distribution, control and automation package, which will be integrated into the ABB Ability System 800xA, as well as two 3.5 megawatt electric Azipod DO propulsors. All systems will also be connected to the ABB Ability Collaborative Operations Center for remote monitoring and support.
“We are delighted to continue our work with ABB on this second highly innovative polar ship,” said Nikolaos Doulis, senior vice president of New Buildings at Lindblad Expeditions. “Passenger safety and comfort are paramount for any cruise operator, so it is critical that our suppliers can demonstrate proven reliability and offer continuous support via ship-shore connectivity, especially as ships venture to more remote locations and ice conditions.”
Lindblad Expeditions chose ABB as it supplies azimuthing electric podded propulsor systems (Azipods) that meet Lindblad’s ice-going requirements. Azipod propulsion is a gearless steerable propulsion system where the electric drive motor is in a submerged pod outside the ship hull. This type of propulsion has become an industry standard in the cruise segment due to its proven ability to cut fuel consumption by up to 15%.
“We continuously refine our range of automation, propulsion and digital systems for specific market segments,” said Juha Koskela, managing director of ABB Marine and Ports. “We are delighted to be working with Lindblad once more to deliver the ship manoeuvrability and comfort in ice conditions made possible by the Azipod DO solution, but also the full scope of ABB’s electric, digital and connected vision offering. ABB’s support in real time is especially compelling in polar waters.”