Twenty percent more efficient per passenger than the Allure of the Seas, efficiencies on Quantum are driven by better hydrodynamics, engine and propulsion management, more efficient HVAC, LED lighting and advanced software.

“Quite clearly the one big element is the propulsion and the elements related to it,” said Harri Kulovaara, executive vice president maritime, Royal Caribbean Cruises. “Close to half the ship’s energy is going to that.”

And with that, the Quantum not only features the latest in hull modeling, but new stainless steel propeller blades, a silicone-based hull coating with a five-year service life, and a re-think of how water moves around thruster and stabilizer openings.

 New stainless steel propeller blades are an industry first, and are both stronger and lighter. A hybrid bearing system in the Quantum’s twin set of 22 MW pods allow bearing changes to be done from inside the pod, with the ship in water.

From cabins to public spaces and galley cooling, the HVAC system on the Quantum has been re-thought.

Calling it evolutionary work, cabins now have advanced HVAC automation software and digital thermostats. The lowest point is 68 degrees Fahrenheit, lowered from a previously tested 71.6.

“Every stateroom has its own intelligence with controls connected to the key card,” said Kulovaara. “In the public rooms we are using more fan coils and bringing in fresh air from the outside. The fresh air keeps the quality of the air right and the fan coils control the temperature. By doing that we are moving less air than we used to in the past.”

A ship of many technical innovations, a new Metso and Eniram energy management system on the Quantum will feed energy-use data back to Royal Caribbean. It will report on various energy users throughout the ship versus historical data.

“It’s the first really integrated energy management system,” said Kulovaara. “It will monitor every area and compare that to optimal consumption.”

Excerpt from Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine: Winter 2014/2015