ABB will provide the power and propulsion for the first in a series of vessels that mark Ritz Carlton’s first foray into the maritime sector.
The 190 m long vessel has been dubbed the [ds_preview]»anti-cruise ship« because it can accommodate just 298 passengers and is aimed at providing a more bespoke service than larger cruise ships. The ship will be built for Ritz Carlton at H.J. Astilleros Barreras (HJB) in Spain and is scheduled to set sail in 2019.
ABB’s solutions will optimize energy efficiency and allow the vessel to be remotely monitored from shore. Two Azipod D propulsors will enable the ship to maneuver efficiently and effectively whilst the Remote Diagnostics Service will empower a smarter approach to maintenance, the company says.
According to ABB the Azipod D is ideal for smaller vessels because of its lower installed power and lower space requirements. The system also produces lower levels of vibration, benefiting the passenger experience. The thrusters’ ability to turn in all directions increases ships access to ports without tug assistance, with the vessel in this case operating in New England, Caribbean and Mediterranean waters.
The Azipod units, along with all elements included in the ABB medium voltage power plant, will be installed with sensors to produce data that can be tracked from shore by both the customer and from the ABB Ability Collaborative Operations Centers for a more informed approach during routine maintenance. With the ABB Ability System 800xA, the crew have access to a fully integrated ship where all systems and equipment work seamlessly together, operated from an intuitive, single-screen access to all information needed to operate the vessel more effectively and safely.
