The world's largest cruise liner, Freedom of the Seas, set off on her maiden transatlantic voyage on May 3, powered and propelled by ABB electrical and propulsion systems. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's (RCCL's) Freedom of the Seas sailed from Southampton for New York on May 3 before continuing to Miami for its first commercial cruise in the Caribbean in June. The 158,000 ton luxury liner is the biggest cruise ship ever built in terms of both gross tonnage and passenger capacity. It carries 4,370 guests and 1,360 crew on 18 decks and at a cruising speed of 21.6 knots.
ABB's extensive scope of supply comprises three 14MW Azipod propulsion units and a complete electrification package including 43 UniGear medium voltage switchboard panels, protection units, internal arc sensors and monitoring systems, six generators, four bow thruster motors, 18 transformers, and low voltage distribution equipment. All eight vessels in RCCL's Freedom and Voyager series are equipped with ABB power and propulsion systems.
Azipod (examples of which are illustrated here) is the world's first podded electric propulsion system. Among its many well-documented benefits are low levels of fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, unrivalled maneuverability, and near-elimination of noise and vibration to undetectable levels. More than 100 Azipod propulsion units are currently in operation worldwide. In February 2006 they achieved a cumulative two million hours in operation and 99.7% availability.