manoeuvring technology
New pods improve flexibility and economy
Propulsion and manoeuvring products are bringing significant benefits to operators in terms of both propulsive efficiency and the ability to operate in harbour with the minimum of tug assistance
by Dick Amos S
ome 20 years ago, global engineering company ABB introduced its Azipod system to the marine market. Although not
the only propulsion concept to allow flexibility in propulsion and manoeuvring, the Azipod has become widely recognised as an effective solution for passenger ships. The system uses a variable speed electric motor to drive a propeller in a submerged pod outside the ship’s hull. The pod can be rotated on its vertical axis
to provide thrust in any required direction, allowing it to be used for both open water propulsion and for manoeuvring the vessel whilst in harbour. This removes the need for rudder systems and transverse thrusters and also enables space saving within the hull due to more flexibility in machinery design. The Azipod propulsion system has also demonstrated efficiency benefits, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
When installed on the first cruise ships in the 1990s, shaft line efficiency increases of about 8 per cent were identified compared to equivalent vessels with conventional propulsion systems. Further improvements have since been made and ABB now claims that a further 12 per cent efficiency increase has been achieved since the first cruise vessel application. The current Azipod XO range has power ratings
from 4.5MW to 25MW, delivered by a family of five basic frame sizes. Variants are available for ice duties and there are contra-rotating propeller options. For lower power demands, the C series has
ABB Azipods were the chosen propulsion solution for cruise ship Oasis of the Seas
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100