Podded Propulsion Concept
Reduces Fuel Consumption
The efforts by many shipowners to reduce the energy consumption of their vessels have led to
many studies and subsequent decisions to invest in fuel saving projects.
These actions include operational guidelines for ship operators on how to conserve energy,
propeller redesign projects and power plant retrofit projects to maximize prime mover efficiency.
Photos: ABB Oy
S
hipowners’ technical operations and
newbuilding teams face the challenge
of both improving the energy efficiency
of their existing fleets and designing new
ships that utilize the latest technology and
solutions for energy conservation.
ABB can support shipowners, shipyards and ship designers in both areas.
The electric Azipod propulsion and the CRP
18
seatec 2007
Azipod propulsion concepts have been designed to achieve improved fuel efficiency
for a variety of ship types. In model and full
scale tests both concepts have been demonstrated to save a considerable amount
of fuel when compared to conventional
shaft line configurations. A 10% reduction
in fuel consumption is a generally accepted
figure for fuel efficiency improvement of a
podded propulsion cruise vessel compared
to a shaft line arrangement. A passenger
ferry propelled by a CRP Azipod propulsion
system has been shown to save up to 20%
on fuel when compared to vessels with
mechanical propulsion shaft lines and 15%
less cargo capacity operating on the same
route. Utilizing variable speed drives in applications typically driven by single speed