World’s largest cruise vessels’ key needs can be fulfilled with proven propulsion system’s upgrade

The new Elegance Pod is being developed with a strong focus on total system efficiency.Kongsberg MaritimeWorld’s largest cruise vessels can now offer increased efficiency, and enhanced passenger comfort as Kongsberg Maritime is expanding its Elegance Pod propulsion range with the launch of five new sizes delivering up to 22 MW. This can address key requirements of the world’s largest cruise vessels. The company revealed that the new Elegance Pod combines advanced hydrodynamics, permanent magnet motor technology and low-noise operation to deliver increased efficiency, enhanced passenger comfort and reduced emissions. New units to support future vessel architectures The new units are being developed to support both today’s and future vessel architectures, including hybrid and fully electric propulsion systems, providing shipowners with greater flexibility as the cruise sector continues its transition towards more sustainable operations, according to a press release. “With the introduction of the new Elegance Pod range, we are extending a proven propulsion platform into the upper tier of the cruise market,” said Ville Rimpilä, Senior Vice President – Thrusters, Kongsberg Maritime. “Cruise operators are looking for solutions that combine efficiency, reliability, manoeuvrability and future readiness. This launch demonstrates our commitment to delivering technology that meets those expectations while supporting our customers throughout the vessel lifecycle.” Design delivers low noise and vibration levels The new Elegance Pod is being developed with a strong focus on total system efficiency. Its compact permanent magnet motor enables a smaller pod diameter, reducing hydrodynamic drag while maintaining high propulsion performance. The design also delivers low noise and vibration levels, an increasingly important consideration for passenger vessels.The new Elegance Pod is designed for seamless integration with Kongsberg Maritime’s power and energy solutions. When combined with the company’s intelligent energy management systems, the propulsion and power plant can operate as a fully coordinated system, optimising energy use while ensuring safe and reliable performance across all operational conditions. The pod control system can also be tightly integrated with Kongsberg Maritime’s advanced integrated bridge solutions, providing operators with enhanced situational awareness, streamlined vessel control and improved operational efficiency, as per the release. “The foundation of Elegance Pod is already proven in service,” said Anton Westerlund, Vice President Product Management – Thruster Systems, Kongsberg Maritime. “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.” The new propulsion solution is supported by Kongsberg Maritime’s global service organisation, leveraging extensive experience from the company’s existing large scale thruster portfolio to ensure reliable lifecycle support worldwide. For cruise operators, propulsion is about much more than simply generating thrust. Large passenger vessels require systems that can deliver high efficiency while providing precise manoeuvrability, reliability and low levels of noise and vibration. Podded propulsion offers particular advantages in this environment. Because the propulsion unit can rotate, it can provide excellent manoeuvrability and directional control, helping large ships operate efficiently in confined waters and during port manoeuvres.One of the key features of the expanded Elegance Pod is its focus on hydrodynamic efficiency.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Prabhat, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is a tech and defense journalist. While he enjoys writing on modern weapons and emerging tech, he has also reported on global politics and business. He has been previously associated with well-known media houses, including the International Business Times (Singapore Edition) and ANI.