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Azipod® propulsion is a gearless steerable propulsion system where the electric drive motor is in a submerged pod outside the ship hull. Azipod® units can rotate 360 degrees to increase maneuverability and operating efficiency, with the proven ability to cut fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared to traditional shaftline propulsion systems. Launched in 1990, Azipod® technology marked a new era in ship propulsion. Since then, ABB’s Azipod propulsion system has inspired naval architects to create more efficient and sustainable vessel designs.
Azipod® propulsion provides:
Since its launch in 1990, Azipod® electric propulsion has become the industry standard for a wide range of vessel segments ranging from smaller crafts to icebreakers capable of independently operating in the harshest conditions. Offshore segment e.g. drilling rigs, offshore supply vessels, accommodation vessels and pipe layers apply Azipod propulsion technology as an ideal solution due to excellent dynamic position characteristics, reliability and safety aspects. 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 the main reason for the Azipod propulsion selection has been the unbeatable ice going characteristics and the efficiency. Azipod propulsion elevates icebreaking capability and performance to a complete new level. It enables independent ice operation in the harshest environmental conditions with predictable operating schedule, while still minimizing the need of icebreaker assistance. Azipod enables DAS concept, providing up to 50% less installed power and lower fuel consumption ensures economically efficient operation throughout vessels lifetime. Azipod propulsion is the most significant example of innovations in passenger segment. Azipod propulsion has become an industry standard in the cruise segment, with the proven ability to cut fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared to traditional shaftline propulsion systems. Since the first installation over 25 years ago, Azipod® propulsion has saved approximately 700,000 tons of fuel while clocking up close to 15 million running hours at an impressive availability rate of 99.8 percent. For RoPax segment 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.
For technical specifications, click the underlined Azipod model.
Azipod DO is a second generation compact size pod series covering power range from 1 MW to 7.5 MW. Azipod D technology combines best features of original compact pod Azipod C series and high-power Azipod XO series. Azipod DO is the most efficient azimuthing propulsor in its power range and have 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.
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 vessels. Azipod XO brings with it improved energy efficiency, excellent maneuverability and improved passenger comfort.
For fast vessels a Contra Rotating Propeller concept can be formed of Azipod propulsion unit and conventional shaft line by replacing the conventional rudder with an Azipod propulsion unit where the propellers face each other.
Azipod XL is a high efficiency propulsion unit suitable for high power ships. Compared to Azipod XO the efficiency is improved by installing to the pulling Azipod propulsion unit a special nozzle module including stator blades to straighten the water flow from the propeller to reduce the turbulence and energy loss and to give the optimum thrust for the vessel. This gives about 5 - 10 % efficiency improvement compared to the existing Azipod XO design. Compared to the conventional shaft line concepts, up to 20 % improvements can be achieved. The efficiency is improved over the whole ship speed range and not only at one design point.
Azipod XL design is now available for one frame size, Azipod XL2100, for unit power up to 17,5 MW.
Suitable ship types for Azipod XL are for example LNG tankers, ferries, cruise vessels, offshore construction vessels and tugs.
For technical specifications, click the underlined Azipod models.
Azipod® DZ is the newest thruster with a nozzle in the Azipod® family. It is available up to 7 MW power. Based on its gearless and simple construction and high thrust performance Azipod DZ provides cost efficient and reliable underwatermountable solution for DP vessels and other ships that require high thrust. The high performance of the thruster is achieved by a unique dual cooling of the propulsion motor that combines the direct cooling to the surrounding sea and a separate air cooling.
The webinar will focus on the benefits of the Azipod propulsion technology compared with more traditional propulsion concepts
A conversation on how ABB is driving the future of ship propulsion.
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