Podded News

A new study from Kongsberg Maritime has identified a range of European passenger and freight routes with strong potential for the introduction of fully electric RoPax vessels, particularly across busy short‑sea corridors in Northern Europe.Highlighting the opportunity for decarbonization in short‑sea shipping, the analysis assessed ferry routes across the continent, identifying several promising candidates, including Dover–Calais, Tallinn–Helsinki, and key services linking Scandinavia…

Vessev announced the VS–Drive, a podded propulsion system that stands to redefine electric marine performance. As the latest innovation from Vessev, which designs and builds commercial-grade electric hydrofoiling vessels, the VS–Drive is a submersible motor that combines advanced active cooling with custom direct-drive brushless motors in a modular design. The VS–Drive powers the VS–9, Vessev’s nine-meter, battery-electric hydrofoiling catamaran, which delivers smooth, silent and emissions-free journeys.

Offshore industry leader Allseas selected Dutch maritime design house Vuyk Engineering to design its new semi-submersible Heavy Transport Vessel (HTV) ‘Grand Tour’. Purpose-designed to support seamless topsides transfers to ‘Pioneering Spirit’, the vessel represents a major step forward in integrated offshore transport and installation solutions. Built at Guangzhou Shipyard International, the new HTV is scheduled for entering service in Q1 2028.The vessel is optimized by Vuyk to carry payloads of up to 60,000 tons.

Offshore contractor Allseas has signed a construction contract with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China for a purpose-built semi-submersible heavy transport vessel (HTV), marking a major expansion of its fleet capabilities.The vessel, to be named Grand Tour, is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2028. With a load capacity of 40,000 tonnes, the ship will be designed to carry the world’s largest offshore structures across oceans and transfer them to Allseas’ flagship vessel…

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company, is advancing greater fuel efficiency for propulsion through hull designs and new hardware and technology, along with underwater drone inspection and cleaning trials.This work is done through complementary strategies focused on maximizing hydrodynamic performance and enhancing ongoing hull maintenance, which reduces a ship’s underwater drag. Here's a synopsis of the CCL strategy:Hull Designs: When selecting the optimal hull design…

Moises DelToro at GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business, discusses how deploying a Ship’s Electric Grid is a flexible way to accommodate growing energy demands for naval and coast guard vessels.A new age of electrificationWe’re in a new naval era and it is reshaping views about fleet mixes and capabilities. Modern fleets need to be mission-configurable, highly capable for military advantage, adaptable for technology insertion, but still affordable. The growing demand for vessel power is increasingly an enabler for mission systems, not just for platform propulsion.

China's first domestically-built large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, has departed from Shanghai for sea trials.The 135,500 gross tonne vessel was built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding. It is being classified by Lloyd’s Register and China Classification Society.The vessel has 2,125 guest rooms and can accommodate up to 5,246 passengers. The public entertainment area is over 40,000 square meters (nearly six standard football fields) over 16 floors.

As the world’s largest cruise ship Wonder of the Seas, departed on her maiden voyage in the beginning of March 2022, she was the first in the world to feature the new ABB Ability Marine Braking Assistance. Designed for safe and smooth emergency stops, the automatic braking system is the result of collaboration between supplier and owner, initiated at Royal Caribbean Group’s request.Following full sea trials by shipbuilder Chantiers d’Atlantique and acceptance by the owner, the…

The U.S. Department of Defense's research and development agency is moving into the second phase of a project to to build and demonstrate a new seagoing unmanned surface vessel.The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on Monday announced  it is moving into Phase 2 of the No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program, which seeks to build and demonstrate a revolutionary new medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) that can go to sea and perform missions with unprecedented reliability and availability, while carrying a significant payload.

California-based marine technology startup Boundary Layer Technologies has unveiled a new fully electric hydrofoiling ferry concept design.Using the company’s proprietary hydrofoil technology and podded propulsion system, ELECTRA has a range of up to 100 nautical miles and cruise speed of 40 knots, twice the range and speed of existing electric ferries.Compared to fossil fuel alternatives, ELECTRA’s battery electric propulsion reduces cabin noise by up to 20dB compared to conventional ferries…

Mercy Ships is known globally for its charitable work performing medical procedures in developing countries. For the first time, the organization has a new ship, Global Mercy, recently delivered from a shipyard in China. Jim Paterson, Marine Executive Consultant, Mercy Ships takes Maritime Reporter & Engineering News inside the construction of the world’s largest civilian hospital ship.Jim Paterson already had a career and Chief Engineer’s Certificate when he joined Mercy Ships nearly 34 years ago, in search of a life change to make a difference.

ABB enters new market segment with order to install Azipod electric propulsion on board two dry bulk carriers from Germany’s largest bulk carrier company Oldendorff Carriers.Two self-unloading dry cargo transshipment units will be the first bulk carriers in the industry to feature ABB’s Azipod electric propulsion. Both vessels, due for delivery to Oldendorff Carriers in 2021 from the Chengxi Shipyard in China, will be equipped with a complete power and propulsion solution from ABB.Each 21,500 DWT vessel will feature two 1.9MW Azipod units.

Swiss-Swedish multinational corporation ABB has announced that it is entering a new market segment by installing Azipod electric propulsion systems on board two dry bulk carriers from Germany’s Oldendorff Carriers.Two self-unloading dry cargo transshipment units will be the first bulk carriers in the industry to feature ABB’s Azipod electric propulsion. Both vessels, due for delivery to Oldendorff Carriers in 2021 from the Chengxi Shipyard in China, will be equipped with a complete power and propulsion solution from ABB.Each 21,500 DWT vessel will feature two 1.9MW Azipod units. ABB will also supply a wide range of electric, digital and connected solutions…

Swiss-Swedish tech giant ABB  is to supply power, automation, propulsion and digital systems for the second icegoing cruise ship to be built for Lindblad Expeditions by Ulstein Verft shipyard.Destined to take exploration cruise guests sustainably and safely on voyages deep into remote polar regions, the Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. vessel will be built by the Norwegian yard Ulstein Verft to an Ulstein Design & Solutions design as a sister ship to National Geographic Endurance, whose construction is underway.As before, the latest ship will have capacity for 126 passengers in 69 luxury guest cabins. The vessel will join the Lindblad fleet in late Q3 of 2021…

The first Sayaringo STaGE type LNG carrierMitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (MHIMSB) delivered the first Sayaringo STaGE type liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, named Diamond Gas Orchid in June, 2018. The Sayaringo STaGE, which was developed based on MHIMSB's cutting-edge technology, has a continuous cover over the cargo tanks, a feature inherited from its predecessor the “Sayaendo”, and while keeping this merit, incorporates apple-shaped MOSS-type cargo tanks and a twin-shaft hybrid propulsion system “STaGE” plant, enhancing economic efficiency, environment friendliness, and versatility.

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.

Finland is a traditional marine tech hub, with almost 90 company members in the Finnish Maritime Industries association. While the country has a storied maritime history across many sectors, based on geographic locale, it’s Arctic and ice marine technology is second to none, and it’s hoping the U.S. Coast Guard is taking notice.The Finnish maritime industry is hoping to get involved in developing the new icebreakers for the U.S. Coast Guard polar icebreaker program. Ulla Lainio…

ABB will deliver a comprehensive scope of power, automation, propulsion and digital solutions for the new Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. vessel that will take passengers on exploration cruises in remote polar areas. Designed with a focus on safety, environmental sustainability and comfort, this ice-going vessel will be equipped with ABB’s power and automation solutions, as well as two Azipod DO propulsion units. ABB is the only supplier of azimuthing electric podded propulsor systems of sufficiently high ice-going class able to meet the owner’s requirements.

Offshore Ship Designers (OSD) has unveiled a new series of Ice Class vessel designs, especially suited for marine services around the development of new arctic ports, terminals and offshore structures. A prerequisite for this type of vessel, operating under arctic conditions, is the ability to deal with the presence of first-year or floating ice, cold conditions and less developed shore facilities. Apart from the ability of the vessels to perform their specific tasks, typical design requirements are increased strength…

Eastern Shipbuilding’s forward-thinking inland towboat design now features CAT Tier 4 propulsion and aftertreatment. When Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) introduced its cutting edge 4,000 hp Thunderbolt inland towboat designed around twin azimuthing AAA Propulsion electric V-Pod propulsion and diesel-electric technology back in 2015, the approach was collaborative, with input from operators, naval architects (Gilbert Associates, Inc. (GAI)) and propulsion OEM’s. In selecting the podded propulsion system for inclusion on the design, Eastern met with two inland owner/operators that had Z-Drive towboats, and others that didn’t. Starting as far back as 2013, listening to each and noting their concerns, it was decided that the V-Pod was the best solution.

At a recent event at its headquarters in Gorinchem, Damen Shipyards demonstrated its next generation composite Water Bus, the 2407, to an invited international audience. Built from FRP (fiber reinforced polymer) the new class will give operators reduced fuel consumption, less maintenance, no corrosion or fatigue problems and a durable structure, the shipbuilder said. Passengers will enjoy journeys at speeds of up to 21 knots that are safe, quiet and with minimal vibration. The Water Bus design is available in versions from 16-24 meters, capable of carrying from 20 to 120 passengers.

Leveraging its experience in the distinct polar and cruise vessel segments, ABB and its Azipod are at the forefront of the booming polar passenger vessel market. As world travelers continually seek access to more exotic and exciting destinations, evolving cruise shipping trends have triggered an order boom for passenger vessels capable of plying some of the most treacherous Arctic and Antarctic routes. Required for this class of ships is a range of equipment and technologies that enable safe and comfortable sailing through polar waters.

Damen said it is set to launch its first composite Water Bus as the prototype undergoes sea trials in the next few weeks. According to the shipbuilder, the new vessel offers reduced fuel consumption, less maintenance, no corrosion or fatigue problems and is very robust. The new Water Bus has also been designed to limit noise and vibrations, making it more comfortable for passengers. “This is a prototype for the first of the new generation Damen Water Bus,” said Marcel Elenbaas, Damen Design & Proposal Engineer - Fast Ferries.