Rolls-Royce has won a contract to supply its innovative Promas Lite propulsion system to German based company AIDA Cruises as part of a technical upgrade of their Sphinx series cruise ships.

Promas Lite is an integrated propeller and rudder system that increases efficiency and manoeuvrability, and is designed specifically for retrofitting to existing ships.

AIDA Cruises, part of the Carnival Group, will install Promas Lite on their AidaSol cruise ship during dry docking in December this year.

Andy Marsh, Rolls-Royce, President – Services said: “Fuel efficiency is a key driver for our customers and we’re pleased to welcome AIDA Cruises into the group of leading cruise operators that are choosing Promas Lite as a relatively simple upgrade that will significantly reduce operating costs.

“The fuel savings achieved by this system are typically in the range of four to six per cent depending on the type of operation. Savings can increase beyond 20 per cent when combined with an adapted operating profile and propeller blade design. The solution is proving more and more attractive to our customers.”

With installation taking place during routine dry docking, and a relatively short return on investment for operators, Promas Lite is gaining popularity with ship owners, and since first launched in 2008, 15 cruise ships and ferries have been fitted. The propulsion system is suitable for a wide range of ship types and other future orders include fishing vessels and cargo ships.