Swiss technology company ABB and USA-based cruise shipowner Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) have entered a long-term partnership aimed at advancing the decarbonization and digitalization efforts within the Norwegian Cruise Line/NCL fleet.
This strategic collaboration focuses on enhancing safety and efficiency fleetwide. NCL's fleet currently groups 14 vessels plus an additional 4 newbuilds under construction/on order slated for deliveries between 2025 and 2028, .
The initial phase of the partnership encompasses a 10-year Azipod propulsion system service agreement for the fleet, facilitating preventive maintenance to ensure safety and optimize vessel availability, along with swift turnaround times for scheduled Azipod propulsion maintenance.
Moreover, ABB will supply upgrades to the propulsion control system for 11 existing vessels and implement shore connection installations on 4 ships. These installations will enable the entire NCL fleet to access shoreside power, supporting emissions-free operations while docked.
Operating under three wholly owned subsidiaries - NCL/Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and RSSC/Regent Seven Seas Cruises, NCLH integrates various ABB technologies across its operations.