Kongsberg Expands Cruise Ship Pod Range to 22 MW
Kongsberg did not identify a shipowner, shipyard or first vessel for the new pods, or say when they will become commercially available or enter service.
Kongsberg Maritime has expanded its Elegance Pod propulsion range with five new sizes rated at up to 22 MW, targeting large cruise vessels. The units are being developed for conventional electric, hybrid and fully electric power architectures.
The 22 MW ceiling is nearly three times the 7.5 MW maximum of the existing Elegance range.
“Cruise operators are looking for solutions that combine efficiency, reliability, manoeuvrability and future readiness,” said Ville Rimpila, senior vice president for thrusters at Kongsberg Maritime.
Permanent-magnet technology moves to higher ratings
Kongsberg’s existing Elegance lineup comprises six pod sizes spanning 1.5 MW to 7.5 MW. Those units use 690-volt permanent-magnet motors. Available propeller diameters range from 1.8 meters on the smallest model to 5.4 meters on the largest.
The new pods retain permanent-magnet motor technology in a compact design intended to reduce pod diameter and hydrodynamic drag. Kongsberg said the configuration is designed to increase total propulsion efficiency while limiting noise and vibration aboard passenger vessels.
The propulsion units can be integrated with Kongsberg’s power and energy products, including its energy-management systems. That integration coordinates the pods and power plant to manage energy use across different operating conditions.
The pod controls can also connect with the company’s integrated bridge systems, bringing propulsion data and vessel controls into the bridge environment. Kongsberg said the arrangement is intended to improve situational awareness and simplify vessel control.
“By extending the power range to 22 MW, we are bringing the same hydrodynamic efficiency, operational flexibility and lifecycle performance to the largest cruise ships now entering the market,” said Anton Westerlund, vice president of product management for thruster systems at Kongsberg Maritime.
Commercial details remain open
Kongsberg plans to support the expanded range through its global service organization and existing large-thruster service network. The company said that support will cover the propulsion equipment throughout its operating life.
The announcement did not provide the individual power ratings for the five new sizes or identify a shipowner, shipyard or first vessel for the equipment. Kongsberg also did not disclose when the new pods will become commercially available or enter service.
