New Chinese Azipod factory opens
ABB has inaugurated a new global manufacturing base in Shanghai for the Azipod C podded marine propulsion system, designed to offer ‘green’ capabilities for small and medium-sized vessels.
The electrically-driven azimuthing Azipod rotates 360° around its vertical axis and delivers thrust in any direction for increased manoeuvrability. Introduced in 2000, the Azipod C is the smallest member of the Azipod family, covering the power range up to 4.5MW, from where the larger size Azipod starts. The compact Azipod C is targeted at a range of vessel types, such as workboats, drilling vessels, yachts and ferries, claimimg to offer fuel efficiency, manoeuvrability, lower emissions, high reliability and short installation and commissioning time.
In China, Azipod C has been installed in a variety of vessels, including ferries operating between Yantai and Dalian, which are said to be delivering 20%-30% lower fuel consumption, and in China’s first independently designed 3,000t marine surveillance vessel.
Located in the Lingang new development zone, the new facility covers 37,000m2 with a present capability of 60 units per year. Claudio Facchin, chairman and president of ABB North Asia and China, said: “Today’s launch in Shanghai supports ABB’s ‘in China for China and the world’ strategy and the city’s goal to turn Shanghai into a global centre of the world’s shipping industry. With this latest move, our total investment in Shanghai amounts to $50 million this year. ABB will continue to introduce new technologies, global resources and operational expertise to China and Shanghai with global-unified quality standards.”
“China is now one of the world’s major shipbuilding countries. The new base will bring us closer to the key shipbuilding markets and enable us to better serve the fast-growing market for high-end vessels as more Chinese shipyards shift their focus in this direction,” said Heikki Soljama, global head of ABB’s marine and cranes business unit, “We will continue to apply advanced technology and quality management standards in manufacturing to meet the expectations of our customers in China and around the world.”
“Moreover, while the large size Azipod units remain to be delivered from Finland, the new base is the first one specifically dedicated to Azipod C manufacturing. The new facility will play a key role in serving global customers in line with ABB’s business strategy in China,” added Soljama.
