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Azipod® electric propulsion

The driving force behind safe, efficient and sustainable operations

Azipod® propulsion is a gearless steerable propulsion system where the electric drive motor is housed within a pod outside the ship hull. Azipod® units can rotate 360 degrees, increasing maneuverability and operating efficiency of vessel, while cutting fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared to conventional shaftline systems. From its creation three decades ago to its market leading position in global shipping today, Azipod® propulsion has revolutionized marine transport with its unparalleled performance, efficiency, sustainability and reliability.

Azipod® propulsion portfolio


High ice class Azipod® units

Azipod® units | 7.6-22 MW

Azipod® units | 1-7.5 MW

 

Highlights

ABB and Incat sign LOI to develop lightweight hybrid-electric ferry

In a groundbreaking collaboration between the two companies, the announcement paves the way for ABB to supply zero-emission power and propulsion solutions and evaluate a future commercial arrangement for the 148-meter long ferry and similar vessels.

Generations: Business insight

Recent development of icebreaking ship propulsion

Icebreakers have been sailing for some 120 years. At first only slightly more powerful than ordinary commercial vessels, in the early years icebreaker propulsion systems consisted of steam engines connected to a propeller. Marine diesel engines later began to replace steam engines in tandem with advances in electric equipment technology.

Press release

ABB to power two new Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vessels with Azipod® electric propulsion

ABB to supply complete propulsion packages for two Ritz-Carlton mega-yachts, further strengthening the collaboration that began in 2017 with the hotel group’s entry into the maritime market.
Press release

Making sea traffic more sustainable: ABB technology to power new hybrid-electric ferries

ABB will supply complete power, automation and propulsion solutions for three hybrid-electric passenger and car ferries to operate in the Baltic Sea.
Press release

ABB and PONANT enter 10-year MarineCare service agreement for increased vessel safety and uptime

Le Commandant Charcot, which recently became the first exploration cruise ship to reach the geographic North Pole, has signed up for ABB MarineCare services to ensure safe and sustainable operations. 

Press release

ABB’s Azipod® propulsion factory in Shanghai marks 10-year anniversary

Over the course of a decade, ABB’s Azipod® propulsion factory in Shanghai, China, has successfully delivered 170 units with a total output of 500 MW.

Press release

ABB to enable smooth sailing for a 100-meter-plus superyacht

The new Abeking & Rasmussen built superyacht will benefit from ABB’s fully integrated power and propulsion system to optimize comfort while reducing emissions.
Press release

ABB Azipod® propulsion wins Finnish Engineering Award

The largest organization for academic engineers and architects in Finland, TEK, presents the annual Finnish Engineering Award for a creditable innovation and practical application that puts theory into practice
Generations: Business insight

Azipod® propulsion – for the next generation of cargo ships

Embarking on a new chapter in Azipod® propulsion history, in 2019 ABB entered a new market segment with an order to install Azipod® electric propulsion on two dry bulk carriers from Germany’s largest bulk carrier company, Oldendorff Carriers.

Group press release

ABB Azipod® electric propulsion marks 30 years of excellence at sea

From its creation three decades ago to its market leading position in global shipping today, Azipod® propulsion has revolutionized marine transport with its unparalleled performance, efficiency, sustainability and reliability.

Group press release

Azipod® propulsion marks 300th vessel milestone with eco-friendly Orange Marine cable ship contract

Integrated ABB power and propulsion package win from Colombo Dockyard brings milestone Azipod® installation for advanced cable-laying and repair vessel that will support offshore wind farms.

ABB Azipod® electric propulsion can save $1.7 million in fuel costs annually, study shows

 

 

How icebreaking is enabled with ABB's Azipod® propulsion

ABB technology helps deliver healthcare with the Global Mercy hospital ship

Three decades of ABB's revolutionary Azipod® propulsion system

 

Key benefits of Azipod® propulsion

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Key benefits of Azipod® propulsion

   1. Proven ability to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to traditional shaftline systems

Some of the key reasons why the Azipod® propulsion can save up to 20% of the fuel compared to a shaft line system are:

  • No mechanical losses from a gearless system
  • Pulling propeller in an undisturbed wake field
  • No drag from appendices, rudders etc.
  • Permanent magnet motor technology for maximum output
  • No shaftline system with losses and added resistance
  • Flexibility to optimize hull structure and (5) reduced weight of the vessel

To read more about the proved fuel savings that can be enabled by the Azipod® propulsion, read more here.

 
2. Improved safety and redundancy, reduced lifecycle cost
Azipod® propulsion is built to achieve optimal reliability (0.996 availability) and can be delivered with various levels of redundancy, for example double winding, redundant drives and redundant steering system. Safe and flexible operations are enabled by the maneuverability of Azipod® units. The simplicity of the Azipod® propulsion supports limited down time and need for maintenance. Furthermore, the high efficiency of a Azipod® system will support reduced fuel cost and thereby reduce emissions.

3. Vessels featuring Azipod® propulsion are safer: unlike ships using conventional shaftline system, they can be steered throughout the ‘crash stop’ period and take 50 percent less time to come to a complete stop
The tactical diameter is reduced by 40% due to the thrust characteristics of the Azipod® unit. Azipod® propulsion’s steering capability is maintained through the whole speed range of the vessel. Fast acting, the Azipod® system provides easier collision avoidance maneuvers. Crash stop can be reduced by up to 50% by rotation the pods while maintaining positive RPM in a fast and efficient maneuver.

4. Integration of multiple energy sources
As the Azipod® system is a fully electrical propulsion, it is compatible with several types of energy sources of low voltage or medium voltage integration.

5. Seamless integration with power systems and equipment on board
Gearless system limits mechanical losses.

 

   6. Minimized engine noise and vibration

Azipod® propulsion reduces engine noise and vibration due to several factors.

  • There are no noise generation gears
  • Both the pod motor and its shaft are located completely outside the ship hull
  • Pulling propeller receives a steady undisturbed wake field
  • No vibration from a rudder during aggressive maneuvering
  • Noise and vibration from a stern thruster is eliminated

7. Space saved by locating the motor outside the hull allows for more flexible design
Fewer components result in a simpler interface and can reduce the installation costs by up to 20%. The Azipod® system design means less space is required for auxiliary equipment and less height is required in the thruster room. There is no long shaftline. All of this frees up space for the power plant, including engines and generators, which again can enable more payload. Furthermore, by deploying Azipod® propulsion, it becomes easier to develop an optimal general arrangement. The flexible design makes it possible to optimize the hull form.

8. Straightforward and fast installation
A complete thruster exchange can be done in 48 hours. The Azipod® system is designed so that the inboard parts be can installed early and the propulsor later, which gives flexibility and may reduce upfront investment costs for the shipyard.

9. Electric propulsion technology provides a native digital platform. Capability to leverage the digital ABB Ability™ Collaborative Operations infrastructure for predictive maintenance and remote technical support
Azipod® system comes equipped with sensors that can be connected to remote digital monitoring and prediction systems.

10. Azipod® propulsion can be fitted on an existing vessel to replace the traditional shaftline system
The Azipod® system typically frees up space, so it is relatively easy to adapt it to an existing ship in a retrofit project.

 

Azipod® propulsors for highest ice classes

Proven technology & reliable partner

Proven propulsion technology securing successful icebreaking operation through decades of experience 

Technical reliability


Independent ice operation in the harshest environment conditions with predictable operating schedule

Icebreaking & operational efficiency


Azipod® enables DAS concept providing up to 50% less installed power and fuel consumption
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Azipod® ICE ( 2-5 MW )

Azipod® ICE propulsion is an azimuthing propulsion solution for wide range of icebreaking vessels for power up to 5 MW. With a built-in high-efficiency LV permanent magnet motor and fixed-pitch propeller mounted directly on the motor shaft, it stands out from other thruster solutions. Azipod®  ICE propulsion is extremely robust propulsion device with the simplicity, strength and reliability for the most challenging ice conditions.

 
MAIN DIMENSIONS:

Azipod® ICE 1400
For main dimension drawings, click the underlined Azipod® propulsion model from the list above. 
*Consult ABB for higher service speeds.


MORE INFORMATION:
Azipod®  VI and ICE product introduction leaflet
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Azipod® VI ( 6-17 MW )

Azipod® VI propulsion is a unique azimuthing solution for ice applications, available in the power range of 6-17MW. With a built-in high-efficiency AC motor and fixed-pitch propeller mounted directly on the motor shaft, it stands out from other thruster solutions. While mechanical thrusters have complex transmission with gears and shafts, the Azipod® propulsion has only electrical cables between the power source and the thruster unit. This makes it possible to build an extremely robust propulsion device with the simplicity, strength and reliability for the most challenging ice conditions, and to any ice class.


MORE INFORMATION:
Azipod® VI and ICE product introduction leaflet

 

Azipod® units ( 7.6-22 MW )

Safety and reliability


Superior maneuverability with a redundant system

Proven high reliability in order to enable continuous operation throughout lifetime 

Environmentally friendly and high efficiency


System designed to fulfill the tightest emission regulations

Responsible supplier with proven service capability


State-of-the-art system design and quality with predictable maintenance costs
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Azipod® MO ( 7.6 MW-14.5 MW )
The Azipod® mid-range podded gearless propulsion systems covers three frame sizes in the power range from 7.6 MW to 14.5 MW, and is based on the straightforward, robust and easy to maintain design principles that have seen Azipod® propulsion selected across 25 vessel types over three decades. 

These propulsion systems are equipped with ABB’s fourth generation permanent magnet motors that draw on proven Azipod® propulsion technologies and have been refined to further increase power and maximize efficiency.

The mid-power range propulsion units have been designed for low onboard height, which allows placing the Azipod® system under the car deck of RoPax vessels, ensuring smooth loading and unloading of vehicles, as well as allowing for maximizing the deck space. The design simplicity of the propulsion system provides increased robustness and reliability, at the same time allowing for ease of maintenance.

In addition to ferry and RoPax vessels, this power range will also be applicable for larger offshore construction vessels, midsize cruise ships and shuttle tankers.
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Azipod® XO ( 14-22MW )

Azipod® XO is a propulsion solution for high-power open water applications. Azipod® XO is available up to 22 MW unit power and it is an ideal choice for vessels like ferries and cruise ships. Azipod® XO brings energy efficiency, excellent maneuverability and improved passenger comfort.

For fast vessels, a Contra Rotating Propeller concept can be applied, leveraging an Azipod® propulsion unit and shaft line propulsion by replacing the conventional rudder with an Azipod® unit where the propellers face each other.

Azipod® XO is also available with ice classes up to PC 5.

 

Azipod® units ( 1-7.5 MW )

Propulsion efficiency 


Improved propulsion efficiency translates into reduced operating costs 

Product reliability


Robust design and gearless propulsion power train ensure superior availability 

Maneuverability 


Azimuthing capability with 100% thrust in all directions ensure maximum flexibility and safety
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Azipod® DO

Azipod® D for open water is a second-generation compact size Azipod® propulsion series covering power range from 1 MW to 7.5 MW. Azipod® D technology combines best features of the original Azipod® C series and the high-power Azipod® XO series. 

Azipod® D is the most efficient azimuthing propulsor in its power range and has excellent course-keeping characteristics. Based on its gearless construction and high performance, Azipod® DO provides cost-efficient, reliable and energy saving operations for cruise, ferry, offshore and special vessels. The high performance of the thruster is achieved by a unique hybrid cooling of the propulsion motor combining a direct cooling to the surrounding sea water and an active air cooling system. 

Azipod® D is also available with ice classes up to PC 5.

MAIN
DIMENSIONS:
 
 POWER
[kW]
 		 SHIP SERVICE
SPEED* [kts]
 
 
     
Azipod® DO1100A     2775 20
Azipod® DO1100P 3470 20
Azipod® DO1250A 4300 21
Azipod® DO1250P 4965 21
Azipod® DO1400A 5200 22
Azipod® DO1400P 6100 22
Azipod® DO1600A 7350 22
Azipod® DO1600P 7500 22
For main dimension drawings, click the underlined Azipod® propulsion model from the list above. 
*Consult ABB for higher service speeds.
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Azipod® DZ

Azipod® DZ is the newest thruster with a nozzle in the Azipod® portfolio. It is available with up to 7,5 MW power. Based on its gearless and simple construction and high thrust performance, Azipod® DZ provides a cost efficient and reliable underwater mountable solution for DP vessels and other ships that require high thrust. The high performance of the thruster is achieved by a unique hybrid cooling of the propulsion motor combining a direct cooling to the surrounding sea water and an active air cooling system. 


MAIN
DIMENSIONS:
 		 POWER
[kW]
 		 SHIP SERVICE
SPEED* [kts]
 
Azipod® DZ980A      2100        15
Azipod® DZ980P 2400 15
Azipod® DZ1100A 2500 15
Azipod® DZ1100P 3100 15
Azipod® DZ1250A 3800 16
Azipod® DZ1250P 4200 16
Azipod® DZ1400A 5200 16,5
Azipod® DZ1400P 5500 16,5
Azipod® DZ1600A 6700 16,5
Azipod® DZ1600P 7500 16,5

 For main dimension drawings, click the underlined Azipod® propulsion models. 
*Consult ABB for higher service speeds

 

Gain more insight

Recorded webinar - Sep. 3, 2020
ABB TechTalks: Meeting the strictest Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) notations with Azipod® propulsion
Recorded webinar - May 28, 2020
ABB TechTalks: Preservation - Proper steps to ensure successful future operations
Recorded webinar - Nov. 20, 2019
ABB TechTalks: Benefits of Gearless Steerable Propulsion System

 

Azipod® propulsion in questions and answers

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What is Azipod® propulsion?

Azipod® propulsion is a gearless steerable propulsion system where the electric drive motor is housed in a submerged pod outside the ship hull.
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What vessels types are the Azipod® propulsion applicable for?

Azipod® propulsion is available in power ranges from 1MW to 22MW, making it suitable for smaller crafts, ferries, cruise ships, cargo carriers and icebreakers capable of independently operating in the harshest conditions. Today, over 25 vessel type rely on the Azipod® technology.

Passenger vessels benefit from the performance provided by 360-degree rotating podded propulsors, high reliability and reduced fuel consumption. Additionally, lower vibration and the flexibility of design allowed by locating propulsion motors outside, rather than inside the hull, prove compelling for passenger vessel owners.

For vessels serving the offshore and energy industries, Azipod® installation requires considerably less space inside the vessel than competing mechanical systems, yielding greater flexibility to optimize vessel design. In addition, optimized installation of thrusters working with a pulling or pushing propeller increases the hydrodynamic efficiency of the vessel and reduces noise and vibrations. Connecting the propeller directly to the propulsion motor eliminates gears and other auxiliary equipment, meaning reduced maintenance costs and less down time due to faults in these systems

Dry cargo vessel benefit from Azipod® propulsion in operations where vessel must perform reliably over an extended period at maximum efficiency, and need to be especially maneuverable in shallow waters. 

For advanced icebreaking tankers and other icebreaking ships, Azipod® propulsion is a true game-changer with unparalleled icegoing characteristics and efficiency.

Icegoing ships powered by Azipod® propulsion can run ahead in open water and astern in heavy ice conditions. This capability allows ships to navigate in ice-covered seas without icebreaker assistance, while keeping higher speeds and consuming less power.

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What differentiates Azipod® propulsion from conventional propulsion?

With a much simpler setup than conventional systems, Azipod® propulsion does not require a separate shaftline, rudder, stern thrusters or associated auxiliary systems.

For more info about the benefits of Azipod® propulsion, go here.

 

Vessel segments

 

Other offerings

 

 

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