30 years of Azipod electric propulsion
(Posted on 09/06/21)
As Azipod propulsion enters its fourth decade of production, the latest episode of the ABB DECODED podcast explores the technology that is revolutionizing the maritime industry beneath the waves, with engineers Jukka Varis and Ole-Jacob Irgens.
ABB’s Azipod propulsion system has brought huge advances to the maritime industry, thanks to its efficiency gains, sustainability benefits and the increased maneuverability it offers any ship to which it’s fitted.
Jukka Varis – responsible for this technology globally, who has worked with the system from the very beginning – and Ole-Jacob Irgens – an engineer by training, who now leads the sales and marketing initiative for ABB’s Azipod system – share their experiences and knowledge.
Azipod propulsion is a gearless steerable propulsion system where the electric drive motor is housed within a pod outside the ship hull. Originally developed for icebreaking vessels, the Azipod® system can be adapted to suit almost any kind of ship. Today, over 25 different vessel types rely on Azipod technology – from cruise ships to cargo carriers, icebreakers, ferries and superyachts.
Jukka explains: “Azipod system looks similar to an outboard motor but is much bigger – the large unit weighs as much as a fully loaded Jumbo Jet. It can turn 360 degrees around its axis, creating thrust in any direction and resulting in much better maneuverability of the vessel.”
Electrical power minimizes engine noise and vibration, ensuring a smoother, quieter ride.
The true efficiency benefits of Azipod propulsion have become more and more apparent over the past three decades, bringing higher performance, reliability and sustainability for vessels.
Azipod system cuts fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared to conventional shaftline propulsion. Ole-Jacob adds: “Since the first installation on a cruise ship 25 years ago, we have estimated that the industry has saved more than 1,000,000 tons of fuels from these cruise ships alone.”
Azipod propulsion has also opened opportunities for new shipping lanes that weren’t feasible before, such as the Northern Sea Route, cutting fuel consumption while negating the need for separate icebreaker assistance.
Ole-Jacob explains: “Vessels can have a shorter route between Europe and Asia, saving many days in transport. To do that, you need vessels which can go through ice, something the unique features of Azipod enable.”
Latest News
Damen shipbreaking pilot project to be made available for larger vessels
(Posted on 23/04/24)Damen Shipyards Group is launching a pilot project in which a small tug will be dismantled at Damen... Read more
John Sutch Cranes seeks collaboration to address travel restrictions challenges
(Posted on 18/04/24)Mobile crane hire and contract lifting specialist based in the North West of England, John Sutch Cranes... Read more
ClassNK awards AiP for Mitsui methanol fuel supply system
(Posted on 15/04/24)ClassNK has awarded an approval in principle (AiP) for a methanol fuel supply system developed by Mitsui... Read more
Bühler launches fully automatic bagging station with Premier Tech
(Posted on 15/04/24)Swiss technology group Bühler, in partnership with leading Canadian packaging equipment manufacturer... Read more
Groke unveils new situational awareness tool for ship managers
(Posted on 15/04/24)Groke Technologies, the Finnish technology company behind the Groke Pro Situational Awareness System... Read more
Pacific Basin leads dry bulk’s adoption of graphene-based coating
(Posted on 29/03/24)In a proactive move towards energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, Pacific Basin, one of... Read more
ClassNK grants endorsement to two MOL initiatives
(Posted on 29/03/24)ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsements for Products & Solutions*1 to two initiatives by... Read more
Marcor Stevedoring receives new LHM 800
(Posted on 25/03/24)Contributing to a greener bulk industry. And no Diesel engine is needed. The LHM 800 will do its work... Read more
Need for new safety rules for methanol fuelled vessels revealed
(Posted on 25/03/24)A new fire safety study by global Survival Technology solutions provider Survitec has revealed that... Read more
Cargill shares outcome of first wind-powered ocean vessel’s maiden voyage
(Posted on 18/03/24)Cargill has revealed exciting results of the six-month test period of the Pyxis Ocean, underscoring... Read more