ABB to Supply Azipod Systems to Royal Navy

ABB has signed a contract with Appledore Shipbuilders, U.K. to supply the electric power plants and Compact Azipod propulsion systems for two survey vessels for the Royal Navy. The vessels, which are scheduled for delivery in 2002 and 2003, will be supplied under a contract with Vosper Thornycroft (U.K.) acting as prime contractor for the U.K. Ministry of Defence, which includes provision of support for 20 years. The ABB package for the vessel pair will include generators for the main power plant and two PWM DTC-controlled Compact Azipod units rated at 1,700 kW each. The new system, which has never before been featured on a Royal Navy vessel, boasts a power range from 400 kW up to 3 MW, is designed to meet the growing demand for enhanced maneuverability and operational economy that exists for smaller vessels.