ABB And Royal Caribbean Group Sign 15-Year Deal To Optimize Cruise Fleet Performance

ABB has signed a 15-year service agreement with Royal Caribbean Group, strengthening their nearly 30-year partnership. The agreement covers 33 ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet and aims to enhance propulsion performance, safety, and sustainability through advanced digital solutions and preventive maintenance of Azipod® propulsion systems.

A Strategic Long-Term Partnership

The deal solidifies ABB’s role as a key technological partner for Royal Caribbean Group, which operates 67 vessels globally across five major cruise brands. The service agreement focuses on:

• Preventive maintenance

• Fast turnaround servicing

• Fleet-wide digital monitoring

• Enhanced vessel safety and availability

Juha Koskela, President of ABB’s Marine & Ports division, called the agreement a “milestone,” reflecting decades of collaboration and innovation.

The Power of Azipod® Propulsion

First introduced on a cruise ship more than 25 years ago, Azipod® propulsion has transformed ship performance. The system offers:

• 360-degree rotation for superior maneuverability

• Up to 20% fuel savings over conventional shaftline systems

• Enhanced sustainability and operational efficiency

So far, the cruise sector has saved over 1 million tons of fuel thanks to Azipod® systems.

Shared Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

Palle Laursen, EVP and Head of Marine at Royal Caribbean Group, emphasized that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, allowing both companies to push forward on performance and sustainability goals.

With the cruise industry under increasing pressure to decarbonize and optimize energy usage, long-term agreements like this one are critical for maintaining high-performance fleets while meeting regulatory and environmental demands.

This 15-year agreement between ABB and Royal Caribbean Group marks a new era in cruise fleet optimization, showcasing how digital solutions and sustainable propulsion technologies can work together to future-proof maritime operations. As both companies continue to lead in their respective domains, this partnership sets a benchmark for long-term, innovation-driven collaboration in the cruise industry.