Wärtsilä & Royal Caribbean Sign Major 5-Year Engine Deal

Wärtsilä has signed a five-year Lifecycle Agreement with Royal Caribbean Group, covering 37 of the company's cruise ships, according to a press release from Wärtsilä.

The primary goal of the agreement is to boost the ships' engine performance, reliability, and availability. This, in turn, is expected to enhance operational efficiency and support Royal Caribbean’s goals related to sustainability.

“This agreement is a testament to the mutual efforts and dedication of both the Royal Caribbean Group and Wärtsilä teams. It not only solidifies our exemplary long-term partnership but also elevates our collaboration to new heights. Together, we are committed to achieving the highest operational reliability and meeting the strictest sustainability and decarbonization standards in the cruise industry,” said Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation.

Palle Laursen, Royal Caribbean Group's executive vice president and head of marine, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Collaborations, with longtime partners like Wärtsilä, serve as a cornerstone in our joint efforts to accelerate reliable and sustainable operations and future initiatives. It provides a solid framework for sustained collaboration and will have a meaningful impact on ensuring our fleet’s sustainable operations, which is vitally important for us and our industry.”

The agreement covers both routine and emergency maintenance services and includes Wärtsilä’s Expert Insight service, which uses AI-driven predictive maintenance technology. This system, backed by Wärtsilä's global Expertise Centres, helps to maximize asset efficiency while cutting down on operational costs and emissions.

Moreover, the deal introduces a performance-based approach, where both Wärtsilä and Royal Caribbean will share the benefits that arise from optimized operations and maintenance.