Podded Propulsion Solutions News

One of the original creators of podded propulsion solutions -- a technology routinely featured on the world's largest cruise ships -- for the maritime market announced another breakthrough which improves efficiency further. ABB reports that recent modifications to its Azipod propulsion unit frame design have seen hydrodynamic efficiency improved by more than two percent. The modifications include a newly optimized Azipod fin shape and a new pod cap structure, called Xtail. The revised fin structure receives water flow from the propeller at a new…

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…