By
Laura Hyde |
US-based shipbuilder Chesapeake Shipbuilding will install Kongsberg Maritime’s Aquarius retractable stabilisers on its newbuild cruise ships, starting with the vessels currently under construction for American Cruise Lines.
Kongsberg Maritime’s Aquarius retractable stabilisers have a compact and lightweight design and have been designed to provide high-performance roll damping and advanced control systems. The one-piece high-lift fin has been specifically engineered for smaller vessels and ease of integration with the ships’ alarm and monitoring systems.
The new agreement builds on Chesapeake Shipbuilding’s 15-year partnership with marine technology company Kongsberg Maritime.
“Kongsberg Maritime has consistently provided a quality product that meets our niche needs,” said Steven McGee, president of Chesapeake Shipbuilding. “Their engineering department has provided spot-on computational fluid dynamic resistance results, and their structural designs are easy to incorporate into our vessel designs. Their on-site technicians are outstanding during each commissioning and subsequent maintenance periods. We expect Kongsberg Maritime to be integral to our continued growth.”
The Chesapeake Shipbuilding yard is currently constructing American Patriot, American Pioneer, American Maverick and American Ranger, along with other vessels for American Cruise Lines. These four vessels are expected to begin operations along the US east coast in June 2025 and will accommodate 130 guests.
“Our longstanding relationship with Chesapeake Shipbuilding demonstrates the importance of effective stabilisation systems on board cruise vessels,” said Paul Crawford, sales director at Kongsberg Maritime. “We are proud to see our Aquarius retractable stabilisers helping to provide American Cruise Lines’ guests with a comfortable, smooth sailing experience in the coastal and river waters of the USA.”