ABB is supplying Azipods for four cruise ships built by Fincantieri

ABB has signed a contract with shipbuilder Fincantieri to supply a total of eight mid-range Azipod propulsion systems for four future mid-size cruise ships. The ships are scheduled for delivery in 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027.

The passenger ships will be equipped with two 7.7 megawatt Azipod propulsion units per ship.

Because the electric propulsion motor is housed in a capsule outside the ship’s hull, the Azipod system can rotate 360 ​​degrees, increasing maneuverability and allowing ships to dock in ports with restricted turning circles. Azipod propulsion also improves a vessel’s hydrodynamic performance and reduces fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared to a traditional shaftline configuration. The space savings from placing the engine outside the vessel allows for a more flexible design, freeing up space for cabins, cargo or other functions.

The Azipod system features ABB’s fourth generation permanent magnet motors, which have been further developed for additional performance and efficiency, while a simple yet robust design offers easy maintenance and reliability. The system’s compatibility with alternative energy sources makes it a future-proof solution, ready to work with new, cleaner fuels as soon as they become available.

In addition to the two Azipod units, ABB’s full scope of supply includes propulsion drives, transformers and control systems. The comprehensive setup offers high system redundancy to further promote security and reliability.