World News
ABB Says 10% Bunker Savings from New Azipods are a "Leap in Fuel Efficiency"
ABB Group (ABB) Tuesday hailed a "leap in fuel efficiency" from its new Azipod propulsion unit that is up to 20 percent more efficient than modern shaft line propulsion systems, and as much as 10 percent more efficient than previous Azipod versions.
The improved system, Azipod XL, is said to represent the biggest jump in fuel efficiency the Azipod has seen in years.
"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 strong markets," said ABB.
ABB says the efficiency gain of the new version is gained through the use of a nozzle system that increases water flow to the propeller in order to increase thrust, and through the use of a thruster designed for reduced water resistance.
"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," said Juha Koskela, Managing Director of ABB's Marine and Ports business.
ABB notes that Azipod's improved performance and increased fuel efficiency, as well as the system's 360-degree maneuverability, makes Azipod XL "ideal" for a wider range of vessels.
"Azipod propulsion is widely used in the cruise industry and on many complex specialized offshore vessels," said Koskela, adding: "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 company 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.
In February, ABB announced it would supply "two of the most innovative vessels operating in the offshore oil and gas sector" with bunker saving power, propulsion, and energy storage solutions.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 504.50 | 2.50 | 620.00 | 3.00 |
| Rotterdam | 456.00 | 1.50 | 621.50 | 2.00 |
| Houston | 476.00 | 7.00 | 624.00 | 1.00 |
| Fujairah | 496.50 | 2.00 | 713.00 | 2.50 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 526.50 | 0.50 | 712.00 | 0.50 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 483.00 | 2.00 | 644.50 | 0.50 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 570.50 | 1.50 | 751.00 | 1.00 |
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