ABB and StarDream Cruises strengthen collaboration with new service agreement

ABB and StarDream Cruises strengthen their longstanding collaboration, with a new service agreement covering two of the cruise line’s luxury ships – reinforcing a partnership that has helped the evolution of cruise travel in Asia.

The five-year agreement covers maintenance and lifecycle support for the cruise ships Star Navigator and Genting Dream, measuring 269 and 335 metres respectively. During this period, Star Navigator will undergo two, and Genting Dream one, drydocking projects, with both vessels receiving 24/7 technical support from ABB.
Known as Star Cruises at the time, the cruise line was ABB’s first marine customer in Singapore. To provide dedicated customer support and long-term value, ABB established its Marine & Ports local unit in Singapore in 2000. Now, coinciding with this latest contract, the division celebrates the 25th anniversary of its operations in the Lion City.
The new agreement comes at a time when Asia’s cruise market is returning to robust growth. In terms of guest numbers, the region contributed 16.7 percent to the global cruise market in 2024. Cruises in Asia generated revenues of USD 1.48 billion last year, and these are expected to reach USD 3.23 billion by 2030.
“StarDream Cruises business has evolved over the years, but our trust in ABB’s ability to serve our needs has remained constant,” said Rickard Cignozzi, Vice President, Technical Operations, StarDream Cruises. “ABB’s commitment to innovation and service excellence has consistently supported our own. We are pleased to extend this collaboration with a partner who understands the aspirations of the cruise industry and the critical role of optimised ship performance.” 
“This renewed partnership with StarDream Cruises is more than just a service agreement,” said Juha Koskela, President, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “It’s a celebration of a relationship that began 25 years ago here in Singapore and continues to flourish, as well as a high-profile contract signifying ABB’s continuing success in Asia. Star Cruises was our first customer in the region, and their continued trust reaffirms the reliability, innovation, and world-class support we deliver to the leaders of the cruise industry.”
Both Star Navigator and Genting Dream are equipped with ABB’s Remote Diagnostic System and Propulsion Control System. Genting Dream, which was the first StarDream Cruises’ ship equipped with ABB’s Azipod® propulsion, also features ABB Ability™ OptimE, a fully automated marine software toolset that helps optimize the toe angle of the propulsion units.