ABB has extended the power range of Azipod propulsion to enable ferry and ropax operators improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions
In response to customer requests, ABB has filled the gap between the low and high-power range of Azipod propulsors with the launch of a new series available in 7.5-14.5MW, the company claimed.
In addition to ferry and ropax vessels, this power range will also be applicable for mid-size cruise ships..
With this expansion programme, the Azipod propulsion family now covers the power range between 1-22,MW.
Recent breakthrough orders in the ferry segment include the Azipod propulsion system specified for an LNG-powered vessel due for delivery to Viking Line next year. Azipod propulsion was also chosen by Wasaline for the recently ordered dual-fuel and battery power ferry, which will operate between Sweden and Finland.
“Building a future-proof, robust ropax ferry requires proven technology that enables energy efficiency, saves valuable onboard space and provides increased passenger comfort. These features, coupled with superior manoeuvrability that would allow the ferry to operate a precise schedule crucial for a busy route, have made ABB’s Azipod propulsion a natural choice for our newbuild project,”said Peter Ståhlberg, Wasaline CEO.
At the core of the new mid-power range are ABB’s latest permanent magnet motors, which draw on Azipod propulsion technologies but have been refined to increase power and maximise efficiency. In addition, the latest ‘M’ series of Azipods feature technical advantages tailored to provide operating benefits for ferry and ropax owners and operators.
The mid-power range propulsion units have been designed for low onboard height, which allows placing the Azipod system under ropax car decks, ensuring smooth loading and unloading of vehicles, as well as allowing for maximising the deck space.
Based on the straightforward, robust and easy to maintain design principles, the latest mid-power series comes to market at a time when ferry and ropax shipowners face increased pressure to improve energy efficiency and cut emissions.
An independent study by Deltamarin, in which a ropax equipped with the Azipod system was compared to a conventional vessel with shaftline propulsion,showed average savings in fuel and energy consumption equivalent to $1.7 mill annually.
Lower fuel consumption also means that the Azipod-powered ferry would reduce CO2 emissions – by about 10,000 tonnes per year, ABB said.
The study included simulations of a ferry equipped with twin 10 MW Azipod units travelling on seven existing ferry routes. In addition to the independent study, ABB has also measured how the Azipod propulsion system delivers more resilience to weather and allows for approaching port at higher speeds and with higher precision to enhance schedule-keeping.
“For close to three decades, Azipod electric propulsion has been the driving force behind safe, efficient and sustainable operations for a wide range of vessels. We are thrilled to extend the benefits of the Azipod system to vessels requiring propulsion power of 7.5-14.5MW,” said Antti Ruohonen, Senior Vice President for propulsion solutions at ABB Marine & Ports.
