Elomatic has formalized a substantial contract with Carnival Corporation & plc to equip its entire XL‑Class fleet (9 existing and 2 impending newbuilds) with its Elogrid™ tunnel thruster technology.
Installations are scheduled to coincide with routine drydock periods, commencing in 2025-Q3 and extending through 2028. This agreement marks a significant advance in the adoption of Elomatic’s thruster grid across a major cruise line fleet.
The Elogrid system is engineered to optimize tunnel thruster performance by minimizing hydrodynamic resistance and maximizing lateral thrust. Deployment on both retrofitted vessels and future XL‑Class newbuilds is expected to yield measurable fuel savings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance maneuverability compared to traditional grid configurations. Noise and vibration reductions are additional operational benefits, contributing to quieter and more efficient voyages.
Jukka Suvanto (Elomatic’s Senior Sales Manager) described the contract as a landmark in both the company’s history and the broader maritime sector’s shift towards sustainable technology. He emphasized that Elogrid aligns with Carnival Corporation’s environmental goals, providing tangible energy efficiencies and reflecting Elomatic’s marine engineering competence.
From Carnival’s perspective, Bo‑Erik Blomqvist (SVP of Corporate Shipbuilding) noted the contract underscores a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. This partnership exemplifies how technological advancement can complement ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of cruise operations.
The agreement reinforces the significance of proactive collaboration between suppliers and operators in propelling the cruise industry towards lower emissions, quieter operations, and optimized fuel use. With Elomatic’s Elogrid grid, Carnival’s XL‑Class vessels are positioned to operate more sustainably, achieving enhanced performance and reduced environmental impact during routine maneuvering and docking.
Elogrid™ is a specialized thruster tunnel grid designed to improve side-thrust efficiency and reduce tunnel-induced resistance. It is adaptable to both newbuild and retrofit applications across various vessel types and aims to extend equipment lifespan while aiding operators in meeting environmental targets.