ABB’s Azipod® propulsion systems have had a huge impact on the operating efficiency of ships and other marine vessels. Launched in 1990, Azipod transformed marine propulsion by placing the electric drive motor in a submerged pod outside the vessel’s hull, eliminating the need for rudders, long shaftlines or stern transversal thrusters.
Benefits of the gearless Azipod propulsion system include lower fuel consumption, greater speed using less power, better maneuverability, reduced noise and a compact footprint. The energy consumption of open-water vessels is typically reduced by 5 to 15 percent although energy savings of up to 25 percent have been recorded.
Today, ABB offers an extensive range of Azipod solutions for many types of vessels, including cruise liners, icebreakers, ice-going cargo vessels, ferries, mega-yachts, offshore supply vessels and drilling rigs, among others. Newer generations of this award-winning technology have further improved system efficiency, reliability and maintainability.