Phoenix Reisen's cruise offerings include journeys through the Norwegian fjords, the North Sea, the Baltic, Iceland, and Greenland. Following a successful commissioning and sea trials, the 1988-built Amera ship has become the first cruise vessel to be retrofitted with an onboard DC Grid power system platform from ABB Group (Swedish–Swiss multinational corporation).
The retrofit project involved replacing the vessel’s traditional AC power system with modern DC technology, enhancing energy efficiency and lowering emissions. Additionally, Amera is now equipped with a shore power connection, further reducing its environmental impact when docked.
According to ABB, the DC-based power distribution system allows for the integration of various energy sources in a compact and lightweight format. This upgrade positions Amera to incorporate new, low-carbon energy sources, such as batteries and fuel cells, to support operations in emission control areas like the Norwegian fjords. ABB also highlighted the system's "high fault tolerance," which contributes to more efficient vessel operations.
The shore power connection installed during the retrofit enables Amera to utilize land-based power systems while in port, potentially reducing daily emissions by up to 35% during an 8-hour docking period. The vessel’s energy management will be overseen by ABB’s integrated PEMS system, a technology already in use by other major ferry operators, including P&O Ferries on the Dover-Calais route.