ABB unveils newest Azipod thruster to growing electric propulsion market

ABB has introduced a new addition, Azipod D, to its range of Azipod electric propulsion offering

ABB’s gearless Azipod propulsion system is already used by cruise vessels, icebreakers, ice-going cargo vessels and offshore accommodation ships. With the Azipod D, shipping segments such as offshore drilling, construction and support vessels and ferries will have even more choices to benefit from the higher flexibility, reliability and energy efficiency provided by Azipod propulsion technology.

“We’re excited to expand the Azipod propulsion family and make the benefits of electric propulsion available to a wider range of ships. Shipowners and operators demand solutions that are reliable and improve their competitiveness in a volatile market – the Azipod D is our answer to these demands,” said Peter Terwiesch, President of ABB’s Process Automation Solution.

The electric propulsion behind ABB’s Azipod units enables shipowners and operators to enjoy higher profitability of their vessels by lowering maintenance costs and cutting fuel consumption. Benefits of the Azipod D propulsion system also include superior manoeuvrability, competitive investment cost, ease of service and maintenance, and a significant performance increase compared to mechanical thrusters.

This new Azipod thruster provides designers and shipbuilders with increased design flexibility in order to accommodate a wide range of hull shapes and propeller sizes, as well as simplicity of installation of the propulsion units. The Azipod D requires up to 25 per cent less installed power. This is partly due to the fact that the new hybrid cooling increases the performance of the electric motor by up to 45 percent.

ABB’s Azipod D propulsion power ranges from 1.6 megawatts to 7 megawatts (MW) per unit.

The characteristics of Azipod propulsion make it particularly appealing to the OSV segments where most vessels operate in dynamic positioning mode and require high reliability. In conjunction with electric propulsion, the Azipod propulsion system meets varying power demand, high propulsion efficiency and flexibility.