

(Posted on 05/07/21)
Already delivering decisive efficiency gains to an ever-increasing variety of ship types, ABB Azipod electric propulsion now benefits from an automated steering function that helps further minimize fuel consumption and emissions.
The new digital solution, ABB Ability™ OptimE – Toe Angle Optimization for Propulsion, supports crew in achieving maximum propulsion efficiency by automatically selecting the optimal steering angle for the ship’s Azipod system. With ABB Ability OptimE, further fuel savings of up to 1.5 percent are achievable depending on a ship’s operating profile, in addition to Azipod propulsion’s ability to cut fuel consumption by up to 20 percent when compared with a traditional shaftline setup.
Without requiring any additional skills from the crew, the digital solution adds a new dimension to proven Azipod systems efficiencies, which have already saved more than 1,000,000 tons of fuel in the cruise sector alone. ABB Ability™ OptimE automatically adjusts the steering angle to achieve continuous optimal flow through the propulsors, taking prevailing operational needs and working conditions into account.
“Maximizing the energy efficiency of assets is a top priority for ABB and we are delighted to demonstrate yet further fuel savings and emission reductions in our Azipod® propulsion systems,” said Antto Shemeikka, Vice President Digital Services, ABB Marine & Ports. “We view the ship as a system where hardware and software operate seamlessly together to deliver maximum efficiency. We believe that every shipowner using Azipod technology will want to capitalize on the further efficiency gains enabled by ABB Ability OptimE.”
Suitable both for newbuilds and retrofitting, ABB Ability™ OptimE is the latest example of the growing number of ABB Marine & Ports ‘Bridge to Propeller’ integrated solutions for ships, which include bridge control, sensors, digital reporting, automation, and propulsion technology.
ABB Azipod propulsion is a gearless steerable propulsion system where the electric drive motor is in a submerged pod outside the ship’s hull. Azipod® units can rotate through 360 degrees to increase maneuverability and operating efficiency. Due to minimal noise and vibration, Azipod propulsion also improves passenger and crew comfort.
With great sadness, RAM Spreaders has announced the recent passing of their long-serving Technical Manager... Read more
The only on-engine NOx reduction solution for marine two-stroke engines, designed by Swiss marine power... Read more
Commander Matt Mitchell, a former USCG Officer, is determined to make sure all Search and Rescue authorities... Read more
Bruks Siwertell has won an order to deliver a new Bruks ship loader to the US Port of Long Beach, California... Read more
Ship managers must navigate tricky commercial terrain to mitigate their financial exposure as DOC holder... Read more
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, supported by Maritime London, have established SEA-CARE as a new... Read more
Chowgule & Co., a leading shipbuilding and engineering conglomerate in India, is partnering with... Read more
A world leader in bulk handling solutions, Martin Engineering, has announced fresh expansion in Central... Read more
Edinburgh-headquartered maritime safety innovator Zelim has appointed a former Commander of the United... Read more
Telestack has announced a significant new contract with Mibau Stema, secured in collaboration with long... Read more