From its creation three years ago to today's market leader in global shipping, Azipod® propulsion systems have revolutionized ocean freight with their unmatched performance, efficiency, sustainability and reliability.
The Azipod® electric propulsion system, first appearing on the Finland ice ship Seili in 1991, has been operating for more than 20 million hours with an availability of up to 99.9 percent, while saving around 1,000,000 tons of fuel on the cruising section alone.
For three decades, ABB has developed the Azipod® propulsion system to meet the changing needs of shipping companies, bringing higher performance to a wide range of vessels. Today, more than 25 different ship types rely on Azipod® technology – from cruise ships to cargo ships, icebreakers, ferries, and superyachts. In total, ABB has sold more than 700 Azipod® units over the past 30 years.
"ABB has been a pioneer in e-mobility for more than a century. The launch of Azipod® technology in 1991 marked a new era of ship propulsion and firmly established ABB's contribution to reducing the environmental impact of the maritime industry. I am confident that this state-of-the-art technology will continue to play an important role in supporting us as a frontrunner in sustainable mobility," said Björn Rosengren, CEO of ABB.
Azipod® propulsion systems have set several records in the shipping industry, from powering the largest cruise ships to enabling tankers to cross the Northern Sea Route for the first time without the assistance of an icebreaker.
Juha Koskela, President of ABB's Marine & Ports Division, said: "Azipod® technology will help reduce costs and carbon footprint for any vessel type because it is a superior propulsion solution and because it further improves the higher efficiency inherent in electric propulsion. "An independent study in 2019 showed that the Azipod® propulsion system could help ferry owners save $1.7 million per vessel per year in fuel costs while reducing CO2 emissions by around 10,000 tonnes. The IMO aims to halve greenhouse gas emissions from ships by 2050, and I am confident that Azipod® Thrusters will drive sustainable shipping in 30 years and beyond. ”
Thanks to the electric drive motor mounted in a pod outside the hull, the Azipod® system can rotate 360 degrees, improving maneuverability and allowing even the largest vessels to dock in ports where turning circles are restricted. Crucially, Azipod® propulsion also improves operational efficiency, improves the hydrodynamic performance of the vessel, and reduces fuel consumption by 20% compared to traditional shafting setups. The space saved by placing the motor overboard allows for a more flexible design and frees up space for cabins, cargo, or other functions.
The Azipod® propulsion system was originally designed as a future-proof system that can adapt to almost any energy source. With an electric motor at its core, the Azipod® system can be powered by electricity from different energy sources, including batteries and fuel cells, which can be added or replaced by shipowners as they grow. Electricity also minimizes engine noise and vibration, ensuring a smoother, quieter ride.
As an integral part of a vessel's overall electric propulsion, Azipod® technology seamlessly integrates with the ship's electrical systems and equipment. ABB's propulsion control system ensures communication with on-board systems, while ABB's power and energy management system (PEMS)™ controls the overall power distribution. Combined with ABB's electric propulsion units, the Azipod® system can be configured to optimize performance, resulting in higher efficiency and lower emissions.
Azipod® units range in power from 1MW to 22MW and are supplied by two plants in Finland and one in Shanghai. Successive generations have been improved to improve fluid dynamics, space efficiency, and structural strength, as well as ease of installation and maintenance. Up to 95% of the materials used to produce Azipod® units are recyclable, a testament to the sustainable life cycle perspective that guides the development and application of this remarkable technology.
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