Swiss-based power and automation company ABB is launching a new version of its popular Azipod propulsion unit that it says is up to 10 percent more efficient than existing versions.
Azipod propulsion is the shipping industry’s leading podded electric propulsion system, and ABB believes the improved efficiency and bollard pull will expand its appeal beyond established markets.
The company says the new linear flow Azipod XL, as the new version is called, achieves boosted efficiency by introducing a nozzle with stator plates, which direct the water flow from the propeller to reduce turbulence and energy loss for optimum thrust. The new unit is even up to 20 percent more efficient than modern shaft line propulsion systems, according to ABB.
The Azipod XL represents the biggest jump in the systems’ fuel efficiency in recent years, ABB says. To put it in perspective, if the newest model replaced all existing Azipod units it would save the shipping industry 2.2 million tons of fuel, and 7 million tons of carbon dioxide over the next 25 years, according to ABB.
It has been 25 years since the first installation of an Azipod unit, racking up more than 12 million running hours, saving 700,000 tons of fuel in the process, ABB notes.
“The new Azipod XL is completely in step with the needs of the maritime industry. Ship owners always want solutions which improve their bottom line whilst more stringent emission regulations are pushing operators to utilize the most efficient propulsion system possible,” says Juha Koskela, Managing Director of ABB’s Marine and Ports business.
One of the strengths of the modifications is that they are relatively simple, meaning there will be no compromise to Azipod propulsion’s excellent availability record, currently standing over 99.8%, ABB said in a press statement. Azimuth propulsion works by drawing water into the propeller and pulling the vessel, so the addition of a nozzle will optimize the water flow as it leaves the propeller. All the improvements have been tested extensively using scaled versions in laboratory conditions, ABB says.
“Azipod propulsion is widely used in the cruise industry and on many complex specialized offshore vessels” says Koskela. “However improved fuel efficiency and bollard pull of the Azipod XL will increase its competitiveness into new sectors such as tugs, ferries and LNG tankers.”
The Azipod XL concept can be designed to give high bollard pull thrust at lower speed and still have good characteristics at higher speeds. This improved performance along with better fuel efficiency and 360-degree maneuverability makes the Azipod XL ideal for a wider range of vessels, such as tugs, offshore construction vessels, ferries, and even LNG tankers, according to ABB.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIxm0ug6yA0
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 109,251 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
A Norwegian shipping company on Friday rejected an accusation from Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, that it refused to rescue sailors from a sinking Russian cargo ship in the Mediterranean Sea.
Israel struck multiple targets in Yemen it said were controlled by Houthis, the last of the Iran-backed groups still fully engaged in the regional war that began 14 months ago.
China said on Monday it had provided information and documents for an open investigation into the severing of two Baltic Sea undersea cables, though it and Sweden disagreed over how transparent Beijing had been in the case.
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 109,251 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
