The long-term agreement covers Marine services related to the Azipod® XO pod propulsion system
Carnival Group will benefit from optimized maintenance schedules, service capabilities and ABB’s global digital offerings
The partnership will enable Carnival Corporation to significantly enhance ship performance, improve user experience and achieve operational excellence
ABB and Carnival Corporation have signed a long-term strategic cooperation agreement to provide systematic maintenance planning, critical spare parts management services and advanced digital condition monitoring solutions for their fleets, strengthening their collaboration in the areas of operational excellence and ship performance.

Carnival Cruise Lines has equipped more than 40 of its cruise ships with Azipod® pod propulsion systems

The 15-year agreement includes the provision of Azipod® XO pod propulsion system maintenance services for ships of Carnival Corporation’s world-class brands. The Azipod® XO Pod propulsion system is ABB’s solution for high-power open water applications, particularly on luxury cruise ships.

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ABB Azipod® XO pod thrusters

Under the agreement, ABB experts will use the ABB Ability™ remote diagnostic system and ABB Ability™ condition monitoring system to perform remote condition detection and troubleshooting for Azipod® pod thrusters, providing 24/7 support to on-board engineering and maintenance personnel. Simplify service management for Azipod® XO pod thrusters. These systems collect, store and analyze performance data from Azipod® podded propulsion systems, helping shipowners improve the predictability and cost-effectiveness of spare parts management and dry-dock repairs.

“This agreement will help us optimize the long-term performance of our fleet, further improve energy and fuel efficiency in our global operations, and promote energy conservation and emission reduction.” “At the same time, fleet maintenance costs and spare parts planning can be predicted in advance, significantly improving work planning, business processes and ship performance over the long term,” said Michael Kaczmarek, senior vice president, Marine Technology, Carnival Corporation. We believe this strategic partnership agreement is an example of how we can work closely with key technology providers to advance our ship performance goals.”

“We are proud that this 15-year agreement further strengthens the long-standing partnership between ABB and Carnival Corporation, ensuring that Carnival Corporation’s ships can take full advantage of optimized maintenance schedules, service capabilities and ABB’s global digital services.” “Said Juha Koskela, president of ABB’s Ships and Ports division.

In 1995, ABB received its first order for the Azipod® pod propulsion system on Carnival Cruise Line’s Elation Delight. Following the adoption of the program on a second Fantasy-class ship, Carnival Cruise Lines has equipped more than 40 ships across its brands with Azipod® pod propulsion systems.

The Azipod® pod propulsion system is a gearless full rotary propulsion system with a steering motor mounted in an underwater pod outside the hull. The Azipod® pod thrusters can turn 360 degrees to improve the ship’s maneuverability and operational efficiency, saving fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to conventional shafting systems. From its launch 30 years ago to its leading position in the global shipping market today, Azipod® pod-mounted propulsion systems have revolutionized the shipping industry with unmatched performance, efficiency, sustainability and reliability. Since it was first installed on cruise ships 25 years ago, Azipod® pod propulsion systems have saved more than 1 million tons of fuel in the cruise industry alone.