Kongsberg Maritime is expanding its Elegance Pod propulsion range with the launch of five new sizes delivering up to 22MW, enabling the company to address the requirements of the largest cruise vessels.
Building on a proven propulsion platform, the new Elegance Pod is said to combine advanced hydrodynamics, permanent magnet motor technology and low-noise operation to deliver increased efficiency, enhanced passenger comfort and reduced emissions. The new units are being developed to support both current 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.
Ville Rimpilä, SVP Thrusters, Kongsberg Maritime, said: “With the introduction of the new Elegance Pod range, we are extending a proven propulsion platform into the upper tier of the cruise market. 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.”
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 offering safe and reliable performance across all operational conditions. The pod control system can be tightly integrated with Kongsberg Maritime’s advanced integrated bridge solutions, providing operators with enhanced situational awareness, streamlined vessel control and improved operational efficiency.
Anton Westerlund, VP Product Management, Thruster Systems, Kongsberg Maritime, added: “The foundation of Elegance Pod is already proven in service. 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 experience from the company’s existing large scale thruster portfolio to ensure lifecycle support worldwide.
Image: Kongsberg’s new larger Elegance Pod (source: Kongsberg Maritime)
