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 … [Read more...]
SPOTD: 6 Incredibly Ultra Wide Engine Room Panoramic Photos
Photographing a ship's engine room is a daunting task for even the best maritime photographers because of the sheer size, breadth and scale of room and equipment but, when pro photographers do get the "right shot" the results are breathtaking. Their secret: taking multiple shots and sticking them together in photoshop to create high resolution panoramas. One of … [Read more...]
Rolls-Royce Unveils Permanent Magnet Azimuth Thruster at NorShipping
After over a decade of research and development, Rolls-Royce is heading into full production of their permanent magnet tunnel thruster from their facility in Ulsteinvik, Norway. At the same time, the company is also introducing to the market a permanent magnet azimuth thruster. Related Book: Marine Propeller and Propulsion by John CarltonA permanent magnet drive is … [Read more...]
ZF: Born From Zeppelin’s Air Ships
100 years ago, when "aeroplanes" were an interesting new invention, the age of the Zeppelin was taking off from Friedrichshafen, a quaint village along the shores of Lake Constance in southern Germany. In that day and age, the term shipyard had to be qualified as Friedrichshafen was home to an airship-yard, with hangars large enough to fully enclose a hydrogen-filled … [Read more...]
A Macro Picture of the Marine Diesel Market
"The offshore market is still trying to understand which direction it is going in terms of the current state of the oil price and what that means to exploration & production spendings and the associated supporting fleet development," commented Alex Kohse, Caterpillar’s Global Segment Manager for Offshore and Marine. Kohse’s office is in Hamburg, Germany, the global … [Read more...]