Hybrid propulsion systems

Kongsberg Maritime has won contracts worth approximately 300 MNOK to equip three adventure cruise ships, with a fourth to follow. Built by WestSea Viana Shipyard in Portugal and destined for delivery to Portuguese cruise company Mystic Cruises, the vessels are to be used for expeditions in the polar regions.

Kongsberg Maritime’s hybrid propulsion system has been proven to offer significant efficiency benefits across a range of ship types, with the technology now widely considered as the key to meeting the IMO’s carbon reduction strategies.

Typically, a Kongsberg Maritime hybrid system can be expected to offer fuel efficiency gains of around 20%, with corresponding reductions in emissions.

Atle David Monsen, VP Systems and Integrated Solutions Sales at Kongsberg Maritime points to cross product division collaboration as key to the success of this project:

 “The sales organisation has streamlined its product divisions into product segments with great effect. All of us are focusing on the same segment working towards a common goal. We already have a well-established relationship with this client through a previous project and that they wish to continue making business with us is a testament to the success of our delivery”, he says.

Strong Vessels for Demanding Environments

The 126m, 9,300-tonne luxury craft will join an existing trio of sister ships to bring the fleet to seven identical vessels, the first of which – World Explorer – entered service in 2019. Designed by Italian naval architect Giuseppe Tringali, the ships have an operating cruise speed of 16 knots and have hulls and propellers strengthened for use in ice, making them suitable to visit destinations which are not accessible to larger cruise liners. Each has luxury suite and cabin accommodation for an exclusive 200 passengers.

Vitor Figueiredo, Board Member, West Sea Shipyard, commented: 

“These new orders reflect the excellent work achieved with the three previous ships. Having been entrusted by Mystic Cruises with the expansion of its fleet of Explorer vessels, we look forward to successfully overcoming this new challenge in partnership with Kongsberg Maritime, maintaining of course the highest quality standards.”

Reducing Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions

Kongsberg Maritime will deliver main engines, auxiliary engines, motion control, propulsion, power electric systems, automation and control systems.

The hybrid propulsion system allows the engines to operate at variable speeds, maximising their efficiency for the required power and reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while KONGSBERG’s dynamic positioning technology allows the vessel to hold position without using anchors, protecting fragile ecosystems on the sea bed.

"These repeat contracts are a strong endorsement of Kongsberg Maritime’s commitment to the active cruise market, which is growing rapidly, as shown by this fleet expansion to seven ships, says Egil Haugsdal, President of Kongsberg Maritime.

It is a great pleasure to work with WestSea Viana and Mystic Cruises, both leaders in their industries, to deliver these truly innovative vessels».

“Our advanced propulsion and control systems continue to make us a clear choice for customers looking for efficient, reliable technologies that minimise the impact of maritime activities on our ocean environment, and we are confident that our equipment will continue to deliver efficient and sustainable operation for Mystic Cruises as they explore some of our planet’s most remote locations.”

The equipment is scheduled for delivery on a per-vessel basis throughout 2020 and 2021.