Marine Link
Thursday, April 25, 2024

Pod Propulsion

Pods are devices which combine both propulsive and steering functions in one device. They are usually located below the stern of a ship, making use of the following internal components: a fix pitch propeller, shaft, thrust and support bearings, brake, and shaft seals; exciter; AC motor (synchronous); bilge pump; and appropriate monitoring and control equipment. The steering unit uses slewing gears and is located in the hull above the pod itself. Lubrication equipment and ventilation/cooling units are usually located externally, as sub systems. Propulsion pods are not a new product, but a new configuration of traditional marine systems and components.

As yet, studies have not shown whether pods are more efficient than conventional shaft lines. There has been much research on the subject, but most studies have been aimed at a specific aspect of pod performance instead of an overall efficiency review. Several advantages have been attributed to pod propulsion systems, such as: reduced emissions, lower noise and vibration levels and emissions; improved steering maneuvering, and braking capabilities. The reduced number of component parts also allows for more flexibility in arranging system machinery, more efficient construction and improved shipyard logistics. On the opposite end of the argument, pods require a greater capital investment, have a 30MW power limitation (per screw), and have been known to suffer losses in power due to electric propulsion.

Tags: Pod Propulsion

(Image: ZF Marine)

ZF Marine Debuts 4600 POD Propulsion System

Marine driveline specialist ZF announced it will premier its new 4600 POD Propulsion…

Image: Copyright Nobiskrug

Superyacht ARTEFACT: A real “arte factum”

NOBISKRUG’s Project 790 is one of the first yachts built under the new strict IMO…

Shipbuilding: Inland Towing Thunderstruck

Eastern Shipbuilding offers the 4,200 hp Thunderbolt inland towboat designed around…

Twin electric V-Pod propulsion and diesel-electric technology combined. Image courtesy of Eastern Shipbuilding

Thunderbolt: Eastern Delivers Innovative Towboat

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. introduced its new 120-ft., 4,200-hp Inland Towboat design…

Eastern Debuts ‘Thunderbolt’ Towboat

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. introduced its new 120-foot, 4,200-horsepower Inland…

Carnival cruise ship: CCL Image

Azipods Earn US$180-Million for ABB in 2013

Pod propulsion system Azipod® was the propulsion system of choice for 6 new cruise liners in 2013…

Pod controls: Image courtesy of Caterpillar Marine

Caterpillar Set to Showcase New Pod Propulsion Engine

Caterpillar Marine say they will unveil a significant product milestone at the 2013…

Photo courtesy ZF Marine

ZF Marine’s New Single POD Propulsion System

ZF Marine LLC, the North American division of the global ZF Marine Group, introduced…

Photo courtesy Effect Ships International AS / SES Europe AS

Air Supported Monohull with Pod Propulsion

Effect Ships International AS, Sandefjord, Norway has just launched their first Air…

Royal Caribbean, Rolls-Royce Pod Settlement

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL) and Rolls-Royce announced that they…

STX Europe, New Order from French Navy

STX Europe has, through its subsidiary STX France Cruise SA, signed a contract to…

Siemens Equips Ships for Australia's Navy

Siemens Marine Solutions has been commissioned by the Spanish shipyard Navantia S.A.

Related Articles

Ship Simulators

A ship simulator is an advanced training device; an electronic or mechanical system used to expose vessel operators and crew members to typical shipboard conditions and systems. Simulation training is not a substitute for the experience of training on an actual vessel…

Sonar

Sonar is a technique that uses sound to navigate, communicate with or detect other vessels, and to observe the distance and velocity of underwater objects. The acoustic frequencies used vary from extremely low (infrasonic) to very high (ultrasonic).

Salvage

Marine salvage is the process of rescuing a ship, its cargo, or other property from peril. Salvage encompasses rescue towing, putting out fires, patching or repairing a ship, refloating a sunken or grounded vessel, moving a disabled vessel in order to clear navigation channels…

Winch

A winch is a mechanism used to reel in, to let out, or otherwise adjust the tension of a rope, wire, or cable. Boats and ships make use of multiple winches to handle halyards, sheets, as well as anchor or mooring lines. The basic mechanism consists…

Navigation

Navigation, derived from the Latin words "navis" (meaning  "ship") and "agere" (meaning "to drive") is the process of accurately determining the position and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle along a desired course. This is accomplished…

Subscribe for
Maritime Reporter E-News

Maritime Reporter E-News is the maritime industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service, delivered to your Email five times per week