ABB Introduces New ‘Azipod D’ Electric Thruster

Swiss-based energy and automation group ABB has launched a brand new addition to its line of Azipod propulsion methods to the rising electrical propulsion market.

ABB says the brand new product, generally known as ‘Azipod D’, permits a wider vary of vessel sorts to learn from the reliability and adaptability that has made Azipod the main propulsion system throughout quite a few ship sorts. ABB’s gearless Azipod propulsion methods are already used on a spread of vessels equivalent to cruise vessels, icebreakers, ice-going cargo vessels and offshore lodging ships. The Azipod D is anticipated to enchantment to much more transport segments, equivalent to offshore drilling, development and assist vessels and ferries.

“We’re excited to expand the Azipod propulsion family and make the benefits of electric propulsion available to a wider range of ships. Shipowners and operators demand solutions that are reliable and improve their competitiveness in a volatile market – the Azipod D is our answer to these demands,” mentioned Peter Terwiesch, President of ABB’s Process Automation division.

ABB’s Azipod D propulsion energy ranges from 1.6 megawatts to 7 megawatts (MW) per unit. ABB says that the brand new thruster will present superior maneuverability, aggressive funding price, ease of service and upkeep, and a major efficiency enhance in comparison with mechanical thrusters.

The Azipod D requires as much as 25 % much less put in energy, based on ABB, partly as a result of the truth that a brand new hybrid cooling system will increase the efficiency of the electrical motor by as much as 45 %.

ABB says that traits of Azipod propulsion make it significantly interesting to the offshore transport segments the place vessels use dynamic positioning and require the best reliability. In conjunction with electrical propulsion, Azipod propulsion system is the perfect answer to satisfy various energy demand, excessive propulsion effectivity and adaptability, all of that are typical necessities of the offshore trade

According to Clarkson’s Research, the main shipbroker and analysis agency, the variety of vessels with electrical propulsion has been rising at a tempo of 12% per yr over the past decade, 3 times sooner than the world’s fleet.

ABB first launched the Azipod electrical propulsion system in 1987. The unit energy of Azipod propulsion methods is accessible as much as 22 MW