ABB and Royal Caribbean Partner on 15-Year Deal to Drive Vessel Efficiency and Decarbonization

ABB has entered into a 15-year service agreement with Royal Caribbean Group, expanding its long-standing partnership with the global cruise leader. The agreement covers 33 ships in Royal Caribbean’s 67-vessel fleet and is aimed at optimizing propulsion systems, boosting operational efficiency, and ensuring high fleet availability.

The agreement includes a comprehensive suite of services, ranging from preventive maintenance to digital solutions designed to enhance vessel safety and performance. A key focus will be timely and efficient servicing of ABB’s Azipod® propulsion systems, which are installed across much of Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Juha Koskela, President of ABB’s Marine and Ports division, described the deal as a milestone in the two companies’ nearly 30-year relationship. “Our collaboration began with the installation of Azipod® propulsion on one of the world’s largest cruise ships at the time,” Koskela said. “This agreement reflects how ABB’s technology continues to play a vital role in improving performance across one of the most advanced cruise fleets in the world.”

Royal Caribbean Group’s Executive Vice President and Head of Marine, Palle Laursen, echoed the sentiment. “This agreement exemplifies how a shared commitment to innovation can unlock new opportunities to improve progress toward ship performance goals,” he said.

The Azipod® propulsion system, developed by ABB more than three decades ago, is a gearless, steerable system with an electric motor housed in a pod outside the ship’s hull. Its 360-degree rotation capability significantly enhances vessel maneuverability and fuel efficiency. Compared to conventional shaftline systems, Azipod® propulsion can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent. In the cruise segment alone, the technology has helped save over one million tonnes of fuel since its introduction. The new service agreement strengthens ABB’s role in the cruise sector as a technology partner for sustainable and efficient marine operations, while supporting Royal Caribbean Group in achieving its long-term performance and environmental goals.