Customer Comment: Harri Kulovaara

Royal Caribbean International`s Senior Vice President

On his return from Voyager of the Seas`s sea trials in late June/early July, Mr. Kulovaara remarks:
"This was one of the best trials I have ever been on. We are very pleased with all aspects of the
vessel`s performance. The noise and vibration levels were very low. On at least two occasions, one
when I was in my bunk, and another when I was in the dining room, I thought that the vessel had
stopped. I could detect no vibration or noise. On both occasions I went to a window to discover that
the ship was doing 24 knots," say s Mr. Kulovaara.
A unique level of manoeuvrability is provided

by the Azipod propulsion system, which is

integrated with an extraordinarily good
navigation system to give very good control,
he says. " The ship is extremely easy to
handle, it achieves 25 knots forward, 17 knots
astern, and 3 knots sideways, which is
extraordinary performance," he adds.

The reason for adding the third, central pod to

the vessel is the higher redundancy it gives
the ship. Mr. Kulovaara explains that there are
limited drydocking facilities for a vessel of
Voyager`s size near the cruising area, so if it
damages a propeller, it will still be able to
continue with its itinerary. The remaining two
propellers will provide over 20 knots, he adds.

Any propulsion system is good at cruising

He is also extremely pleased with the

speed in open water, says Mr. Kulovaara.

Where Azipod propulsion comes into its own is
at low speed. This is critical when operating in
shallow or narrow channels, and in ports. "The
vessel`s harbour manouevring characteristics
are outstanding, much better than present
ships. It can handle 40 knot side winds, where
the wind limits in port are around 30 knots.
The side force is exponential, a 20-30 per cent
increase in wind strength doubles the force on
a vessel", he says.

functionality of machinery and power plant. "

Azipods have extremely good fuel efficiency.
The vessel`s speed is 1 knot better than
anticipated, which converted into fuel
efficiency, provides a saving of around 10-15
per cent compared with conventional
propellers, also resulting in lower emissions,"
says Mr. Kulovaara

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ABB Marine
(The Motor Ship, Dec.99)

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