What is the Azipod propulsion system?

Azipod® is a gearless 360° steerable propulsion system, where the electric motor is located in a submerged pod outside the ship hull. By utilizing the Azipod® system’s maneuverability, marine vessels can direct thrust in any direction with incredible precision, saving time and fuel.

How are Azipods powered?

Azipod® is the electrically driven propulsor with an AC motor incorporated in a streamlined azimuthing pod unit directly driving a fixed-pitch propeller. The motor is controlled by a frequency converter, which produces full nominaltorque in either direction over the entire speed range, including standstill.

Do cargo ships have Azipods?

Azipod is actually the registered trademark for ABB’s brand of azimuth thrusters that was first introduced in 1987. Today, ABB’s Azipod propulsion systems are used on a wide range of vessels such as cruise ships, icebreakers, ice-going cargo vessels and offshore accommodation ships.

What kind of propulsion system does Azipod have?

1 General Azipod is an electric azimuthing propulsion system. The electric motor is inside a submerged pod. Propulsion module with speed controlled fixed pitch propeller can be rotated 360 degrees around its vertical axis.

How does the azimuth electric podded propulsion system work?

The Azimuth Thruster \ntrol System (A\) fully automates from bridge the control of the electric azimuth thruster systems through the VFD or AFE drive control and provides full 360 degree control with full feedback (closed loop) units.

How is the speed of an Azipod motor determined?

The motor is controlled by a frequency converter, which produces full nominaltorque in either direction over the entire speed range, including standstill. Over torque can also be utilized e.g. in ice-going vessels. Each Azipod propulsion system is individually designed and optimized to achieve maximum performance.

What is the power rating of an Azipod propeller?

Azipod propulsion is designed for the preferential use of the (directly driven) pulling propeller when driving in the ahead direction. The type XO2100 and XO2300 Azipod propulsion units are available generally for power ratings of between 13 – 18 MW and 18 – 23 MW respectively. The power rating is depending on the propeller design.