ABB Electric Propulsion System Gleans 20% Bunker Savings

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday May 26, 2016

ABB Tuesday announced that its Azipod electric propulsion system is capable of reducing fuel consumption by up to 20 percent, and is estimated to have saved over 700,000 tonnes of bunkers across the entire Azipod-equipped fleet.

Shipbroker and research firm Clarkson's Research says the number of ships featuring electric propulsion is growing three times faster than the global fleet, having reached a rate of 12 percent each year.

"Azipod propulsion units are the market-leading solution for today's modern large cruise ships. The system is also dominating the growing icebreaking and icebreaking cargo ship sector," said ABB, noting that the "most advanced" port icebreaker is set to feature four Azipod propulsion units, which will be innovatively placed to enable the ship to operate bow or stern first.

The company also notes that, across the entire Azipod-installed fleet, propulsion unit base has achieved 12 million operating hours within the merchant, offshore, and special vessel segments.

"Our engineers continue to innovate, like they did 25 years ago, to ensure Azipod propulsion meets the demands from a diverse range of ship owners," said ," said Juha Koskela, the managing director of ABB's Marine and Ports business.

"The fact that Azipod propulsion remains the dominant force in podded electric propulsion shows our commitment to meet our customer's needs."

In March, ABB said its new Dynamic AC (DAC) concept optimises engine speed, resulting in "significant" bunker savings.

Ship & Bunker News Team
To contact the editor responsible for this story email us at editor@shipandbunker.com