How Much Horsepower Does the Biggest Cruise Ship Have?

By Robert Palmer

The biggest cruise ship in the world is the Symphony of the Seas. It is part of the Oasis class ships of Royal Caribbean and was launched in 2018.

It has a length of 362 metres (1,187 ft) and a width of 66 metres (217 ft). The ship can accommodate up to 8,680 passengers and crew members.

The Symphony of the Seas has been designed with a wide range of amenities and features, including two multi-story waterslides, an ice rink, two rock-climbing walls, a mini-golf course, a spa and fitness centre, several restaurants and bars, as well as an outdoor theatre.

In order to power such an impressive vessel, it requires an impressive propulsion system. The Symphony of the Seas is powered by four Wärtsilä RT-flex96C low-speed diesel engines that generate a total of 93 600 kW or 127 000 horsepower. This power is transferred to two Rolls Royce azimuth thrusters that are responsible for propelling the vessel at speeds up to 22.6 knots (42 kilometres per hour).

In addition to its powerful engines, the Symphony of the Seas also features four ABB electric motors which are used for powering auxiliary systems such as air conditioning compressors and pumps for fresh water production. These electric motors generate 3 600 kW or 4 900 horsepower in total.

The Symphony of the Seas is also equipped with two ABB Azipod propulsion units that provide additional manoeuvring capability when in port. These units generate 4 400 kW or 5 900 horsepower each. In total, this gives the biggest cruise ship in the world a total power output of 106 400 kW or 144 800 horsepower.

To put this into perspective: That’s enough power to propel more than three Boeing 747 jumbo jets!

To summarise: The biggest cruise ship in the world – The Symphony Of The Seas – has four Wärtsilä diesel engines that generate 93 600 kW or 127 000 horsepower, four ABB electric motors that generate 3 600 kW or 4 900 horsepower each and two ABB Azipod propulsion units that generate 4 400 kW or 5 900 horsepower each – giving it a total power output of 106 400 kW or 144 800 horsepower.

In conclusion: The biggest cruise ship in the world has a total power output of 106 400 kW or 144 800 horsepower.