September 4, 2008 -- ABB will supply propulsion and automation systems for the Eurodam, a new cruise ship built by Fincantieri for Holland America Line (Carnival Corporation & PLC Group). Eurodam was delivered on 14 June at Fincantieri’s Venice-Marghera yard.
Prior to its work on the 87,000-ton Eurodam, the first ship in Holland America Line’s (HAL) new “Signature”series, ABB had supplied automation and propulsion solutions for HAL’s Vista-class vessels including Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam and Noordam, and propulsion solutions for P&O’s Arcadia and Cunard’s Queen Victoria.
The advanced technological and design solutions adopted by HAL’s “Signature of Excellence” program seek to achieve top refinement and exclusivity not only in terms of on-board services, interior decoration, entertainment and tourist destinations, but also in terms of safety.
ABB has supplied the Eurodam with energy generation systems, electrical distribution and Azipod® propulsion systems, and the ship’s integrated automation system based on the System 800xA platform.
The propulsion system is composed of two Azipod units with their respective propellers, the steering gear control system, and an innovative joystick that further enhances maneuverability and hydrodynamic efficiency. The ship’s maneuverability is significantly increased by the quick response of the Azipod units and ability to direct propeller thrust in the desired direction. The ship may also be maneuvered using the joystick system. The joystick’s software calculates the steering angles and the required propeller thrust to obtain the desired ship direction.
The integrated automation system is supplied on a turn-key basis. The automation solutions installed on board the Eurodam include HAL’s well-tested applications under the ABB 800xA platform, with its huge potential for managing and displaying information. The 800xA system is already widely used in the industrial sector, and over the last few years has also been used by ABB in the marine sector for propulsion and automation control projects, as well as for all new projects in the pipeline.
Some of the key features of the 800xA platform include object-oriented information navigation and access capabilities, integration of external applications, the possibility to personalize functions and information access for each individual user (a feature that was already in place for management applications); and unique, highly advanced standard functions for the management of faceplates, alarms and process magnitude diagrams.
Fincantieri is the largest shipbuilding concern in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Based in Trieste, Italy, the company employs approximately 9,300 people and is a global leader in the construction of cruise ships, a major builder of large ferries, and has a large order portfolio in the military sector. The company has nine shipyards subdivided among six business areas.
Holland America Line started operations in 1873, and is today a prestigious cruise line that sails its ships all over the world and offers its passengers unparalleled luxury, comfort and safety.
Thanks to clients’ trust in ABB as a supplier of advanced technological solutions for their fleet, and in Fincantieri as builders of their ships, the partnership between ABB and Fincantieri is growing stronger every year.
ABB is a leading supplier of energy and automation technologies that help utilities and industries to improve their performance and reduce environmental impact. ABB Group companies employ over 115,000 people in more than 100 countries.
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