NEW YOR-- Carnival Corp. technicians believe a design flaw in the
Azipod propulsion systems aboard Elation and Paradise, built by ABB
Industry Marine Group of Helsinki, is responsible for premature
wear on certain parts, leading to a breakdown of the systems, said
Tim Gallagher, a Carnival spokesman.
The design flaw would require drydocking for maintenance about
every 18 months rather than the normal 30-month cycle, which would
negate the fuel efficiencies gained through the system.
The design flaw was revealed in a report issued Tuesday [Aug.
29] by a Lazard Feres cruise analyst and confirmed Friday by
Gallagher. Carnival has already cancelled four cruises on
2,040-passenger Paradise and two voyages of sister ship Elation
this summer due to Azipod problems.
ABB has delivered or sold 25 Azipod units for brands including
Carnival, Costa, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean Intl. and
Star Cruises. An ABB spokesman told a London-based trade journal
the company believes the only flawed Azipod units are the ones on
Elation and Paradise.
Nevertheless, "We are very upset with the ABB products," said
Gallagher. He said mechanical problems that occurred earlier this
year on 2,600-passenger Carnival Destiny are also due to an ABB
system, although Destiny's propulsion system does not have an
Azipod unit.
"We have suffered extreme financial difficulties because of
these products," said Gallagher. "We are looking for a solution,
and we hope ABB comes up with one."
A spokesman at Royal Caribbean Intl. said "We are aware of the
Carnival situation and we are involved in ongoing discussions with
ABB. Right now, we don't have enough information to know if we will
have to drydock earlier."
Royal Caribbean's 3,100-passenger Voyager of the Seas, the
largest passenger ship ever built, is also equipped with Azipod
units.