One electric propulsion solution is being celebrated for 30 years of service in aiding efficiency, sustainability and reliability.
ABB Azipod electric propulsion is used by over 25 different vessel types. In total, ABB has sold over 700 Azipod units over the course of 30 years.
“The launch of the Azipod technology in 1991 marked a new era in ship propulsion and has firmly established ABB’s contribution to reducing the environmental impact of the maritime industry,” said Björn Rosengren, CEO of ABB.
“I am convinced that this state-of-the-art technology will continue to play a major part in supporting our role as a front runner in sustainable transportation.”
Greening shipping
First seen on the Finnish icegoing vessel Seili in 1991, Azipod electric propulsion has clocked over 20 million running hours at an availability rate of 99.9%, while saving about 1,000,000t of fuel in the cruise segment alone.
The technology is designed to help any type of vessel cut costs and environmental impact. With the electric drive motor at its core, the Azipod system can be powered by electricity drawn from different energy sources including batteries and fuel cells, and shipowners can add or exchange power sources as they evolve. Electrical power also minimizes engine noise and vibration.
Azipod propulsion improves operating efficiency, boosting a ship’s hydrodynamic performance and cutting fuel consumption by up to 20% when compared with a traditional shaftline setup.
Up to 95% of the material used in the production of Azipod units is recyclable.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
