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Podded Propulsion Systems News

04 Sep 2018

Rolls-Royce Unveils New Podded Propulsion Range

(Image: Rolls-Royce)

Rolls-Royce has launched a new range of smaller, more compact podded propulsion systems: the ELegance pods – one with an open propeller, the other ducted.Per Nahnfeldt, General Manager Product – Electric Propulsion, Rolls-Royce, said, “For many years we have recognized the gap in the propulsion market for smaller pods, including ice-class, in the 1.5MW to 7MW power range. These new pods – based on our Permanent Magnet technology – complement our broad product portfolio and sit well with our range of frequency drives and electrical systems.

20 Apr 2012

Ice-class Vessels – New Class Rules by LR

The first dedicated set of rules for stern-first ice-class ships has just been published by Lloyd’s Register, answering demand for technical support as industry continues to explore the potential of polar transportation routes and the new energy reserves in the far north. The timely release of the rules comes as more and more ships are being ordered with options such as podded propulsion systems and azimuthing thrusters – products that can improve icebreaking capability and reduce resistance -- allowing them to navigate stern first through ice. "These practical rules are answering a growing demand in the market and include…

19 Apr 2012

Lloyd’s Register Issue Rules for Stern-First Ice-Class Vessels

The first dedicated set of rules for stern-first ice-class ships has just been published by Lloyd’s Register, answering demands for technical support, as industry continues to explore the potential of polar transportation routes and the new energy reserves in the far north. The timely release of the rules comes as more and more ships are being ordered with options such as podded propulsion systems and azimuthing thrusters – products which can improve icebreaking capability and reduce resistance - allowing them to navigate stern-first through ice. "These practical rules are answering a growing demand in the market and include the use…

18 Aug 2011

ABB Inaugurates New Azipod Manufacturing Base in Shanghai

Azipod improves vessels’ fuel efficiency up to 25%, lowers their environmental impact and provides better maneuvering capabilities. ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, today inaugurated a new global manufacturing base in Shanghai featuring Azipod C, the company’s advanced green marine propulsion system. Located in the Lingang New Development Zone, the new base covers 37,000 square meters with an annual output of 60 units at present. Claudio Facchin, Chairman and President of ABB North Asia and China, spoke at the inauguration ceremony. “Today’s launch in Shanghai supports ABB’s ‘in China for China and the world’ strategy and the city’s goal to turn Shanghai into a global center of the world’s shipping industry.

25 May 2000

The Strong Get Stronger

Consolidation in the maritime industry is not something new. In the past five years, oil majors such as Exxon and Mobil, and BP, Amoco and Arco have all consolidated. Shipyards haven't been immune to mergers, either; as Halter was purchased by Friede Goldman; and Litton Ingalls consolidated with Avondale. But, when equipment manufacturers begin to consolidate, the effects aren't quite as obvious. In the past five years, Caterpillar acquired MaK and, more recently, Sabre. And Rolls-Royce has joined the buying frenzy with such zeal and aggression, it's almost easier to list companies not owned by the propulsion giant. Part of the ambiguity of the merger between equipment manufacturers is, typically, the existing product line is still maintained; just owned and distributed by the new company.

12 Feb 2003

Podded Propulsion: A 360°

The evolution of podded propulsion systems has gained steam in recent years, as a number of notable new systems have entered the market with new options. The era of podded propulsion is here and now, and despite some technical glitches with the systems - notably faster than anticipated bearing wear - it is safe to assume that the system's popularity will only grow with experience. Pods, obviously, are not the single solution for every marine application. As with any other technology, limitations exist. However, podded propulsion solutions have opened more marine technological avenues than they have closed as Harri Kulovaara, senior vice president of fleet operations and newbuilding…

11 May 2001

Rolls-Royce to Supply Podded Propulsion, Deck Machinery for QM2

Rolls-Royce has won two new contracts to supply podded propulsion systems and deck machinery for Queen Mary 2, the new luxury cruise liner to be built for Cunard Line at Alstom Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France. It has also won contracts to supply podded propulsors to three other cruise ships. The total value of these contracts is approximately $21.2 million. Dr. Saul Lanyado, president - Marine for Rolls-Royce, said: "These contracts bring the total value of equipment orders we have won in Commercial Marine so far this year to more than $241.1 million. They are also another illustration of the wide range of products we are able to offer to the cruise and ferry industry. Rolls-Royce will supply four Mermaid podded propulsion systems for Queen Mary 2, the largest ocean liner ever built.

05 Jul 2001

ABB lands $42M contract with Santa Fe Intl.

ABB, the leading innovator in podded propulsion systems, has struck a landmark deal to supply its new compact podded propulsion system on a semi-submersible drilling rig. Santa Fe International Corp. has awarded a $42 million contract to ABB in Norway for the supply of electric propulsion systems and power plants to two new semi-submersible drilling rigs. In addition, the contract includes an option for a further two rigs. The two new deepwater rigs, of Friede & Goldman ExD design, will be built by PPL Shipyard PTE Ltd. of Singapore with delivery of the first rig scheduled for late 2003. ABB's delivery to each rig includes a complete package solution consisting of generators…

09 Jul 2001

Editor's Note

Considering the over abundance of conferences and exhibitions that grace the marine industry’s business calendar, I am pleased to report on the activities of the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP), which most recently met on the scenic campus of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. SOCP — which is a business/government partnership — provides a fresh dialogue among industry players with discussions focused on real-world issues and solutions. June’s meeting featured a number of topics, from alternative fuel technologies to a ferry operator panel, which discussed regulation, training, safety and technology. A more extensive account of the meeting will be found in MR/EN’s August edition, U.S. Report.

01 Sep 1999

Podded Propulsors Gain Wider Acceptance

The growing uptake of integral electric-driven, podded propulsors in the most capital-intensive sector of the cruise shipping industry, has forever altered the established position of conventional propulsion systems in an important segment of the market. Having established a foothold in the offshore sector, the concept will no doubt find increasing application with the next upswing in investment by the offshore oil and gas industry. Once conservatism has been overcome in various quarters of the shipping business, and once the net acquisition costs of such systems reach more acceptable levels for a broader band of the shipowning community, usage of the technology will no doubt spread to other spheres.

03 Feb 2000

Finnish Innovation Ascends New Heights

The Finnish shipbuilding industry has been in a state of flux for much of 1999 and entering 2000, with the Kvaerner shipbuilding pullout dominating the headlines. But while the search for new owners of the company's yards in Finland has kept the boardrooms busy, the business of pulling in valuable new orders to keep the facilities busy and building top-quality ships has not missed a step. The big and modern shipyards in Helsinki and Turku are world-renowned for the production of high-value, technically advanced ships, and this reputation and accrued expertise will surely remain well after the Kvaerner nameplate comes down. Whereas Kvaerner's exit from shipbuilding has been top news throughout the year, foreign investment and ownership within Finland is hardly a new topic.

05 May 2003

Lube Oils on Test

Modern tools of research take many, increasingly high-technology forms, but large test machinery is especially apposite to the marine field, with its blend of applied science and solid, practical disciplines. Lubmarine has ploughed $2-million into a new, purpose-built test engine in France. Derived from a five-cylinder medium-speed diesel of the MAN B&W 16/24 type, the Innovator-4C evaluation and research engine is due to be brought into service this month (May) at the TotalFinaElf Research Center (CRES) at Solaize, near Lyons. It will replace the single-cylinder, Elf-Optimizer test bench, based on a Pielstick PC2.6 engine, first installed at Solaize 20 years ago and extensively modified in 1994 in response to changing development requirements.