ABB to Deliver Azipod Propulsion System

ABB has been awarded a contract by Marinette Marine Corporation, a division of Manitowac Marine Group to supply electric propulsion drives and Azipod propulsion systems and to act as the engine room single-system integrator for a new Great Lakes Icebreaker design. Marinette Marine will deliver the vessel for the U.S. Coast Guard in October 2005. The vessel will be equipped with Two Azipod units with variable speed electric drive providing full torque to the propeller motor from zero to nominal speed in both directions, which is report to enhance the vessel’s operability in heavy ice conditions. The vessel’s main area of operation will be the Great Lakes where it will break ice during the winter and operate as a waterway service (buoy tender) vessel during open water season. The vessel will be named Mackinaw and will replace the old U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker also named Mackinaw. The Azipod propulsion system was selected for the new vessel based on the operating experiences.