- The 1990 launched Azipod® electric propulsion has become industry standard for vessel segments, with newer addition covering the power range of 1-22MW.
- The Azipod® propulsion system is preferred by LNG and Wasaline for their dual-fuel and battery power ferry, which runs between Sweden and Finland.
- This technology enhances efficiency, customer care, maximizes deck space and helps in loading and unloading
- Study shows Azipod® saves fuel and energy amounting to $1.7 million annually, compared to a conventional vessel.
- Azipod® system will reach vessels requiring propulsion power of 7.5-14.5MW
ABB has broadened the power range of Azipod® propulsion, that will enable ferry and RoPax operators improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions, says a press release published on their website.
Azipod® electric propulsion
Azipod® electric propulsion, launched in 1990, has become the industry standard for a wide range of vessel segments ranging from smaller crafts to icebreakers capable of independently operating in the most unfavourable conditions.
ABB has bridged the low and high-power range of Azipod® propulsors with the launch of a new series available in 7.5-14.5MW, as per the request of customers. Apart from ferry and RoPax vessels, this power range will also be suitable for larger offshore construction vessels, mid sized cruise ships and shuttle tankers.
With this expansion, the Azipod® propulsion family now covers the power range of 1-22MW.
Azipod® propulsion for LNG vessel?
The Azipod® propulsion system specified for an LNG-powered vessel happens to be the recent breakthrough orders in the ferry segment. The order is due for delivery to Viking Line next year.
Wasaline also preferred Azipod® propulsion for their dual-fuel and battery power ferry, which runs between Sweden and Finland.
Energy efficiency and passenger satisfaction
Peter Ståhlberg, CEO at Wasaline, said that proven technology is required to build future-proof, robust RoPax ferry. This technology, enables energy efficiency, saves valuable onboard space and provides increased passenger comfort.
These salient features along with a superior finesse would allow the ferry to operate a precise schedule which is required for a busy route. Hence, ABB’s Azipod® propulsion has become a natural choice for their newbuild project.
Technical advantages to provide operating benefits
ABB’s latest fourth generation permanent magnet motors sits at the core of the new mid-power range. Azipod® propulsion technologies have been refined to increase power and maximize efficiency. Additionally, the latest ‘M’ series of Azipod® propulsion promises technical advantages designed to provide operating benefits for ferry and RoPax owners and operators.
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. This will ensure smooth loading and unloading of vehicles, as well as allowing for maximizing the deck space.
Robust and reliable propulsion system
The fabrication of the propulsion system provides increased robustness and reliability, along with an ease of maintenance. These features made Azipod® propulsion chosen across 25 vessel types over close to three decades.
The brand new mid-power series hits the market amidst the energy efficiency enhancement and emissions control crisis experienced by the ferry and RoPax ship owners.
Azipod® system Vs conventional vessel
An independent study by Deltamarin, offshore engineering and construction group, where a RoPax vessel equipped with the Azipod® system was compared to a conventional vessel with shaftline propulsion. The study has shown that average savings in fuel and energy consumption equals to $1.7 million annually.
Lower fuel consumption implies that the Azipod®-powered ferry would reduce CO2 emissions, approximately 10,000 tons per year. This is similar to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by about 2,200 passenger cars annually.
Weather management and higher travel speeds
Advanced simulations of a ferry equipped with twin 10 MW Azipod® units travelling on seven existing ferry routes was taken into account for the study.
Apart from the independent study, ABB has also measured how the Azipod® propulsion system delivers more adaptability to weather and higher hauling speeds.
Azipod® system to be extended
Antti Ruohonen, Senior Vice President for propulsion solutions at ABB Marine & Ports, said that Azipod® electric propulsion has been the driving force behind safe, efficient and sustainable operations for a wide range of vessels, for the past 3 decades.
He added that the benefits of the Azipod® system will be extended to vessels requiring propulsion power of 7.5-14.5MW.
Maneuverability and operating efficiency
ABB’s 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 shaft-line propulsion systems. Due to minimal noise and vibration, Azipod® propulsion also improves passenger and crew comfort.
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Source: ABB
