Electric and hybrid propulsion solutions are already transforming marine transportation and are expected to shape the future of international sea travel. They expand a vessel’s range of energy sources beyond traditional fuels to more sustainable alternatives, such as batteries and fuel cells, as well as ensure smoother, quieter transits.
ABB has revolutionized international sea travel with the introduction of its groundbreaking Azipod® propulsion in 1990. The Azipod® propulsion system, where the electric drive motor is in a submerged pod outside the ship hull, can rotate 360 degrees to increase maneuverability and operating efficiency.
With its proven ability to cut fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared to traditional shaftline propulsion systems, the Azipod® technology has played a key role in developing ABB’s strong position for environmentally-friendly electric propulsion. Due to the selection of Azipod® propulsion, savings of over 900,000 tons of fuel have been achieved in the passenger cruise segment alone.
A recent independent study by marine consultancy Deltamarin revealed that an Azipod®-powered ferry could reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 10,000 tons per year – an equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by about 2,200 passenger cars annually. Over the course of three decades, ABB has supplied Azipod® propulsion system to over 25 vessel types, with the propulsion system accumulating more than 17 million running hours. Options for Azipod® propulsion span 1MW to 22MW.
To learn more about the environmental, logistical and safety advantages that ABB’s Azipod® propulsion brings to maritime transport please go here.
