The Motorship spoke to Ari M. Turunen, Head of R&D and Technology, Marine Propulsion, at ABB Marine & Ports, about the future of Azipod® propulsors

What vessel types are suited to Azipod propulsion?

Today, more than 25 vessel types rely on the Azipod technology. Azipod propulsion is available in power ranges from 1MW to 22MW, making it suitable for smaller crafts, ferries, cruise ships, cargo carriers, and icebreakers capable of independently operating in the harshest conditions.

ABB is continuously widening its portfolio to cover even more vessel types. One example is the large order we announced in June 2023 with one of the largest offshore shipbuilders in China, Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore Ltd. ABB is to deliver an integrated bridge-to-propeller technology for Havfram Wind’s two new NG20000X-HF wind turbine installation vessels. The vessels, incorporating the latest battery-hybrid drivetrain technology, will be among the most energy-efficient designs to operate in the offshore wind industry.

Do you expect Azipod propulsors to feature on larger cargo vessels?

Yes, we do expect that. The benefits of having Azipod propulsion, such as improved propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability, have been proven on various vessel types already over three decades. These proven benefits can be adapted basically in any vessel type, which is well demonstrated by, for example, our recent orders of supplying Azipod propulsion for dry bulk carriers. Dry cargo vessels benefit from Azipod propulsion in operations where vessel must perform reliably over an extended period at maximum efficiency, and need to be especially manoeuvrable in shallow waters.