ABB Azipod XL Receives Award Shortlisting for Fuel Efficiency Capabilities

ABB's new Azipod propulsion unit, Azipod XL, is said to provide increased fuel efficiency.

Just weeks after the company launched the newest model, ABB Group (ABB) Wednesday announced that the Azipod XL has been nominated in the Environmental Initiative category of the 2016 Seatrade Cruise Awards for its fuel saving capabilities.

As Ship & Bunker reported earlier this month, ABB has hailed a "leap in fuel efficiency" from the new Azipod propulsion unit, said to be up to 20 percent more efficient than modern shaft line propulsion systems, and as much as 10 percent more efficient than previous Azipod versions.

ABB says that the features of Azipod propulsion have helped to "revolutionise" the cruise industry, noting that the motor does not require "bulky" equipment associated with shaft line and rudder propulsion systems as it is submerged in a pod outside the hull of the ship, leaving space for more cabins.

Further, ABB says that, because the thrusters can turn 360-degrees, the propulsion system offers optimised maneuverability to ships, enabling them to dock in new destinations.

"Cruise operators are looking for solutions which raise efficiency and minimise their impact on the environment – ABB’s Azipod XL will help achieve these goals," said Juha Koskela, Managing Director of ABB’s Marine and Ports business.

"ABB has been working with the cruise industry for two decades and the new Azipod XL will power the most efficient cruise ships ever built."

As previously reported, ABB estimates that, if all existing Azipod units were replaced with the Azipod XL, the shipping industry would save an additional 2.2 million tonnes of fuel and 7 million tonnes of CO2 over the next 25 years.