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ABB's Azipod propulsion has secured its 100th cruise ship order, winning a contract for powering the world's first electric hybrid icebreaker.

The luxury polar expedition cruise ship, due delivery for the French cruise company Ponant in 2021, will feature two Azipod VI propulsion units fit for the most challenging ice conditions.

Upon delivery from Norway's Vard Soviknes, a Fincantieri Company, the cruise ship will take passengers to unexplored destinations in Arctic and Antarctic waters. In the harsh conditions of ice-covered seas, Azipod units with 6-metre propellers and combined power of 34 MW will help the vessel achieve greater maneuverability and efficiency, as well as lower the environmental impact.

"We are delighted that Ponant chose to rely on ABB's leading expertise both in cruise and ice-going vessel propulsion for their pioneering vessel," said Juha Koskela, Managing Director, ABB Marine & Ports. "Azipod units already power more than 80 vessels navigating in icy seas, and reaching the 100th cruise ship order highlights ABB's commitment to a technology with superior performance, reliability, safety and environmental profile."

Azipod's history with cruise ships

The first Azipod order from a cruise ship customer in 1995 led to installations on board the Carnival Cruise Lines Fantasy-class newbuildings Elation and Paradise. An order from Royal Caribbean Cruises came in 1997, with three Azipod units installed on the biggest cruise ship of its time - Voyager of the Seas. Other large cruise lines followed, selecting Azipod propulsion for their vessels.

"At the beginning of the 1990s, we entered the cruise market with a technology offering a 10-15 percent efficiency gain over conventional shaftline systems and a gearless construction that reduces environmental impact," said Marcus Hogblom, Head of the Passenger, Ice & Dry Cargo segment, ABB Marine & Ports. "Since then, the cruise market has been increasingly choosing Azipod propulsion. We estimate that energy savings equivalent to 700,000 tons of fuel have been made in the cruise sector due to the selection of Azipod."