TTS to supply shell doors and platforms with all-electric drive systems for Star Cruises newbuilds
TTS is to supply electric drive systems and shell doors for two new cruise ships built at the German shipyard Meyer Werft. The ships, commissioned by the leading Asia-Pacific cruise line Star Cruises, will be the first large cruise vessels with all-electric shell doors, the company said in its press release.
TTS Marine AB, part of the international TTS Group, has been chosen to provide electric shell door solutions and complete electric drive systems for two mega cruise ships built at the German shipyard Meyer Werft. The sister ships, commissioned by the leading Asia-Pacific cruise line Star Cruises, will be the first large cruise vessels with all-electric shell doors.
“We appreciate this opportunity to develop further our important relationship with Meyer Werft and of course take great pride in providing energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions for the next generation of cruise ships,” says Mats Olsson, Sales Manager Cruise at TTS.
TTS’ scope of supply for the Star Cruises project includes all-electric shell doors, cargo elevators, loading platforms and tender embarkation platforms with electrically operated aluminium stairs for crew and passengers. According to Olsson, TTS’ electric systems have a number of obvious advantages over hydraulic ones.
“They are more energy-efficient and quieter and require less maintenance as there is no need to maintain hydraulic hoses or cylinder seals. The system is very compact and will save space in the ship compared to a central hydraulic power system.. Since installing electric cables is easier than fitting pipes, electric systems also save time and cost during shipbuilding. Add the fact that electric systems eliminate the risk of spillage of hydraulic oil and there is no doubt that they both contribute to a greener cruise industry and reduce the vessels’ lifetime costs.”
The electric solution developed by TTS runs on standard marine voltage and have a robust mechanical design with quick and simple installation of the electric actuators, which creates easy service access and redundancy. All installations will be fully integrated with a data bus system in a user-friendly interface. The solutions are also designed to facilitate a remote monitoring and fault- finding system via satellite or 3G.
The 151,000 ton 21-deck cruise ships will each accommodate some 5,000 passengers.
“We will of course do our uttermost to facilitate smooth and efficient handling of passengers and cargo and ensure that our solutions in detail match the expectations of modern cruise passengers,” Olsson says.
The first ship, to be named Genting World, is due for delivery to Star Cruises in fall 2016; its sister ship a year later. They will both be put in service in the rapidly growing Asian cruise market.