Ferry sustainability with ABB propulsion
A new ferry featuring ABB’s ice-class Azipod electric propulsion is expected to deliver sustainable performance while achieving up to four days of annual time savings due to operational efficiency.
Entering service in 2021, Wasaline’s 150m long Aurora Botnia will run on LNG and operate on the world’s northernmost all-year passenger route between Vaasa in Finland and Umeå in Sweden.
“We chose ABB’s Azipod electric propulsion for several reasons,” said Peter Ståhlberg, Wasaline CEO. “Superior manoeuvrability will save time and increase productivity, enabling precise schedules to be maintained on this route. We calculated likely annual time savings of close to four days of operation, which was compelling. The solution also saves valuable space on board and simplifies hull construction. Access to ABB’s training and support services in Finland were other major plus points.”
Designed to meet Polar Code 6 criteria, the vessel has a pair of 5.8MW Azipod units with permanent magnet motor technology, where the electric drive motor in a submerged pod outside the ship’s hull can rotate through 360 degrees, thereby increasing manoeuvrability.
Azipod technology has a proven ability to cut fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to traditional propulsion, said ABB.
Finnish shipyard Rauma Marine Constructions built the ferry and took one week to install the Azipod electric propulsion system, which was delivered to the shipyard fully engineered and ready for immediate installation.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
