Executive Summary

Summary

One difference in today\'s ships is the absence of the propeller shaft. Ships use powerful 11,000 volt motors attached right to the propellers. The Independence of the Seas is powered by three ABB electric propulsion units:  two of them hang in a pod below the bottom of the ship and rotates 360 degrees, and third one is fixed. The ship can move at 24 knots. There are 4 bow thrusters for maneuvering. The ship produces electricity and water; hot water is made from waste heat from the engine cooling system. It has a sewer treatment plant, extensive air conditioning and heating equipment, and ample power for passengers’ computers, hairdryers, etc. The maintenance department handled this plus telecommunications equipment, hospital, and the ship’s communications equipment.