ZURICH, Switzerland, July 7, 2025 – ABB has signed a 15-year service agreement with Royal Caribbean Group, a global cruise operator with a fleet of 67 ships across five brands. The agreement extends their partnership and focuses on supporting ship performance objectives. Covering 33 vessels, the contract includes preventive maintenance and digital services aimed at optimizing propulsion operations, enhancing vessel safety, and improving fleet availability. It also ensures efficient turnaround times for servicing Azipod propulsion systems.
“Our collaboration with Royal Caribbean Group spans nearly three decades, beginning with the installation of Azipod propulsion on one of the world’s largest cruise ships at the time,” said Juha Koskela, president of ABB’s marine & ports division. “Since then, we’ve partnered on numerous pioneering projects. This service agreement marks an important milestone in our journey together and highlights the critical role of ABB’s solutions in modernizing and maintaining the performance of one of the world’s most innovative cruise fleets.”
“This agreement exemplifies how a shared commitment to innovation can unlock new opportunities to improve progress toward ship performance goals,” said Palle Laursen, Royal Caribbean Group EVP and head of Marine.
Azipod propulsion uses a gearless, steerable unit with an electric motor housed in a pod outside the ship’s hull. The pod can rotate up to 360 degrees, improving vessel maneuverability and operations. Compared to traditional shaft line systems, Azipod units can reduce fuel use by up to 20%. Since its first installation on a cruise ship more than 25 years ago, it has helped operators save over a million tons of fuel.
Source: ABB
About ABB
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, and Västerås, Sweden. Formed in 1988 through the merger of Sweden’s ASEA and Switzerland’s Brown, Boveri & Cie, the company traces its roots back to 1883. ABB operates in over 100 countries, serving industries such as utilities, transportation, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Its offerings include robotics, industrial automation, electrification products, and motion solutions. As of 2024, ABB reported revenues of approximately $33 billion and employed around 110,000 people worldwide. The company operates in over 100 countries, across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. ABB focuses on innovation and sustainability by investing in research and development to support the shift toward a more resource-efficient future.
About ABB Marine & Ports Division
ABB’s Marine & Ports Division, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, provides electrification, automation, and digital solutions for the maritime and port industries. Its offerings include electric propulsion systems, power management, Azipod thrusters, shore power solutions, and vessel control technologies. The division serves sectors such as cargo shipping, passenger ferries, cruise vessels, offshore support vessels, and port terminals. ABB Marine & Ports operates in 26 countries and employs over 2,000 people. In 2024, the division contributed to the Process Automation business area, which recorded significant revenue growth, including marine and ports orders totaling $435 million in 2023. The division’s technologies help improve operational efficiency, reduce emissions, and support real-time monitoring of ships and port operations. By integrating power, propulsion, and digital control systems, ABB Marine & Ports supports the maritime industry’s transition to more sustainable and efficient operations, with a focus on reducing the environmental impact of marine transport and port activities.
About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group, established in 1997 and based in Miami, FL, is a renowned cruise operator. The company manages a fleet of 67 ships across multiple brands, serving cruise markets including family vacations, premium travel, and river cruising. Royal Caribbean operates globally, offering ocean voyages and private island destinations. In 2024, the company generated approximately USD 16.5B in revenue and carried 8.6 million passengers. Its workforce includes more than 106,000 employees worldwide. The company continues to expand its fleet, with new ships scheduled for delivery through 2028. Royal Caribbean focuses on ship technology development, itinerary expansion, and sustainability initiatives to improve its operations. The company serves the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, providing transportation and leisure services across the global cruise market.