Wärtsilä and Royal Caribbean Group sign Lifecyle Agreement to accelerate sustainability goals

Wärtsilä, a global leader in technology and lifecycle solutions, has signed a five-year agreement with Royal Caribbean Group to improve the performance of 37 cruise ships. This deal, known as a Lifecycle Agreement, focuses on ensuring the engines of these ships run smoothly, reliably, and efficiently. By doing so, Royal Caribbean can meet its sustainability goals and reduce the environmental impact of its operations.

The deal is aimed at keeping Royal Caribbean’s ships in top shape, allowing them to operate efficiently and avoid breakdowns or delays. Wärtsilä will handle both scheduled maintenance and any unexpected repairs. This means fewer surprises and less downtime for the cruise line, helping it save money on fuel and reduce emissions. The partnership is a big step towards Royal Caribbean’s goal of having net-zero operations, which means the company wants to reduce its carbon footprint as much as possible.

A Strong Partnership for the Future

Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine, said that this deal shows how committed both companies are to making cruise ship operations as reliable and eco-friendly as possible. He explained that the two teams have been working together for a long time, and this new agreement takes their collaboration to a higher level. Holm believes that by working closely together, they can achieve the best results in terms of reliability and sustainability.

Wärtsilä will use its advanced AI-based technology, called “Expert Insight,” to monitor the ships and predict when maintenance is needed. This will help Royal Caribbean avoid costly repairs and keep the ships running smoothly. Expert Insight will also help reduce the operating costs by making the ships more fuel-efficient, which is better for the environment. It’s another example of how technology can help the cruise industry meet its environmental goals.

A Shared Vision for Cleaner Seas

Royal Caribbean Group is fully behind this collaboration. Palle Laursen, Head of Marine for Royal Caribbean, said that long-term partnerships like the one with Wärtsilä are essential for the company’s future plans. He believes that the deal will help Royal Caribbean ensure its ships remain sustainable and comply with strict industry regulations.

One of the key points of this agreement is a performance-based model. This means that both companies will benefit from any improvements in how the ships are operated and maintained. The better the ships perform, the more gains both Wärtsilä and Royal Caribbean will share. This joint effort further strengthens their commitment to keeping operations as efficient and eco-friendly as possible.

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Wärtsilä’s Role in the Marine Industry

Wärtsilä plays a big role in the marine and energy markets by offering sustainable solutions. The company’s goal is to help its customers, like Royal Caribbean, achieve both environmental and economic success. Wärtsilä is known for its innovative technologies, and its team of nearly 18,000 professionals in 79 countries is working to make industries cleaner and greener.

In 2023, Wärtsilä earned EUR 6.0 billion in sales and continues to be a leading company in sustainable technologies. Its work in the marine industry is particularly important, as it helps ships become more efficient and reduce their environmental impact.

Driving the Shipping Industry Toward Sustainability

Wärtsilä Marine is a leader in power and propulsion solutions for the shipping industry. The company is pushing for the transition to cleaner fuels and is working towards a future where all ships and ports are connected in a digital ecosystem. Wärtsilä’s broad range of products includes everything from engines and hybrid technologies to exhaust treatment systems.

The company’s efforts are helping the entire shipping industry move towards decarbonization—reducing the carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. By providing solutions that make ships more efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly, Wärtsilä is playing a key role in creating a cleaner future for the marine world.