As the market-leading operator of cruises in the Greek Islands and East Mediterranean, Celestyal Cruises takes pride in delivering exceptional travel experiences while honoring its responsibility to the local community and wider environment. The Piraeus-based company has won over 60 awards in seven years, including ‘Platinum Guest Experience’ and ‘Cruise Line with the Greatest Commitment to the East Med Region’ and is certified by DNV in accordance with ISO 9001/14001 standards, which relate to quality and environment.
Reflecting Celestyal Cruises' brand values is the company’s new flagship, Celestyal Journey. The 1,260-passenger capacity vessel, whose cruise itineraries take in famous island destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini, features two 12,000-kilowatt diesel-electric motors, PSR Cycloconverter, and Propulsion Control System (PCS) from ABB. PSR Cycloconverter and PCS are the heart of the main propulsion of the ship, responsible for providing power to the propulsion motors and controlling their speed. In line with its commitment to sustainability and guest experience, Celestyal Cruises has opted to upgrade the PSR Cycloconverter and PCS to ensure its flagship vessel continues to benefit from the power systems for years to come.
Future-proof, circular economy
By upgrading the solutions, Celestyal Cruises will not only extend Journey’s lifespan but also enhance its operational performance. Specifically, the modernization will improve power quality and optimize control capabilities, resulting in increased power-system reliability and higher overall efficiency. This will in turn minimize downtime, boost passenger safety and comfort, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
“The upcoming PSR Cycloconverter upgrade on board Celestyal Journey represents a significant milestone in our continued efforts to provide the best possible experience for our guests,” said Chrysanthos Chrysanthou, Technical Director, Celestyal Cruises. “This modernization initiative is not just about upgrading equipment; it's about future-proofing our vessel and ensuring its resilience in the face of evolving industry demands. We are confident that the upgrade will translate into improved operational efficiency and reliability for our power systems.”
In addition, by choosing to upgrade rather than scrap the existing solutions, Celestyal Cruises has taken the circular economy approach, reducing waste and avoiding the environmental impact associated with replacement.
“The PSR Cycloconverter upgrade provides significant advantages in terms of power quality, control, and reliability,” said Antonis Asimakopoulos, Marine Service Manager, Greece, ABB Marine & Ports. “With greater efficiency, reduced downtime, and extended equipment lifespan, Celestyal Cruises will ultimately benefit from a more resilient and high-performing system, which also translates into a safer and more comfortable onboard experience for guests. The environmental factor is another compelling reason to upgrade existing power systems.”