AZIPOD® ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEMS FOR SHIPS
In the late 80s ABB developed a ship‑propulsion solution that combined exceptionally good maneuver-ability with high efficiency. The solution was called Azipod®. Since its introduction, Azipod® has transformed marine propulsion by placing an electric motor in a steerable pod outside the hull, allowing vessels to rotate the thrust a full 360 degrees. Azipod® has revolutionized marine transport, already propelling more than 35 vessel types. This innovation didn’t just improve handling, it reshaped entire vessel designs. Cruise ships gained smoother, quieter operation and tighter turning radius. Icebreakers discovered they could break ice more effectively by pulling a vessel rather than pushing it. Offshore vessels benefited from precise dynamic positioning. Over the decades, Azipod® systems have continued to evolve with higher power ratings, improved hydrodynamics, and digital monitoring capabilities, making them a benchmark for modern electric propulsion.
REASONS TO BELIEVE
<p>Our partners recognize and benefit from our track history of excellence in innovation in electric propulsion systems for ships. With the Azipod® propulsion range, you can depend on safer, more efficient, future-ready solutions. Below are just some of the ways Azipod® propulsion units make difference.</p>
Save energy, enhance sustainability
<p>Azipod® propulsion offers significant energy saving reductions of up to 20% by eliminating mechanical losses from conventional shaftlines. Hydrodynamic efficiency improves with a pulling propeller reducing drag, and allowing optimal engine loading.</p>Unparalleled maneuverability
<p>The Azipod® propulsion system provides exceptional maneuverability with its 360° steerable unit, allowing instant thrust direction changes and eliminating the need for traditional rudders. This enables superior precision, faster port operations, shorter crash stops, tight turns, and excellent station keeping in challenging conditions.</p>Safety and reliability
<p>Azipod® propulsion boosts safety and reliability through precise maneuverability and rapid stopping power. Its gearless electric design minimizes mechanical failures and reduces lifetime maintenance needs. Backed by more than three decades of proven performance across global fleets, the system has demonstrated dependable and resilient operation.</p>AZIPOD® HIGH ICE-CLASS ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEMS
With heavy ice class Azipod® propulsion units, you get precision, power, efficiency, and manoeuvrability even in the most extreme conditions. Our ice strengthened electric propulsion systems operate reliably in heavy ice while maintaining excellent open water performance. Mounted fully outside the hull, Azipod® units support a wide range of marine vessels, including icebreaking cargo ships, tankers, naval craft, carriers, and Arctic and Antarctic research vessels.
OUR LATEST THINKING
Resources
Faster, safer, cleaner Azipod® propulsion for ferries
Faster, safer, cleaner Azipod® propulsion for ferries. The latest addition to the Azipod® propulsor family, the mid-range Azipod® series, can help shipowners reduce emissions, lower the total cost of ownership and provide improved operational safety and flexibility.
Faster, safer, cleaner Azipod® propulsion for ferries. The latest addition to the Azipod® propulsor family, the mid-range Azipod® series, can help shipowners reduce emissions, lower the total cost of ownership and provide improved operational safety and flexibility.
Diving deeper into underwater noise
The way commercial shipping discusses Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) is undergoing a quiet revolution. Advances in monitoring methods coincide with moves toward a more active role for maritime regulation.
The way commercial shipping discusses Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) is undergoing a quiet revolution. Advances in monitoring methods coincide with moves toward a more active role for maritime regulation.
Ice load measurements in the extremes of the Arctic
Polar waters pose extreme challenges for any vessel, but PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ pioneering polar explorer, Le Commandant Charcot is overcoming them with ease. Featuring ABB’s Azipod® propulsion ice load measurement system, along with ship hull ice load monitoring verifies that the vessel is surpassing safety requirements by a comfortable margin.
Polar waters pose extreme challenges for any vessel, but PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ pioneering polar explorer, Le Commandant Charcot is overcoming them with ease. Featuring ABB’s Azipod® propulsion ice load measurement system, along with ship hull ice load monitoring verifies that the vessel issurpassing safety requirements by a comfortable margin.
IT PAYS TO CHOOSE ABB
Azipod® propulsion operators provide savings across energy usage, emissions, time and costs. Backed by ABB's expertise, and engineered to outrun.
over 35+
<p>Years of successful operations with Azipod® propulsion</p>over 800+
<p>Total number of Azipod® units delivered</p>over 35+
<p>Ship types equipped with Azipod® propulsion</p>over 350+
<p>Vessels operating with Azipod® propulsion</p>FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
<p>You’ll find the answers to some of the questions we are often asked about the ABB Azipod® ice-class range below. Our team is always available to answer any other questions you may have and offer guidance on suitable solutions for your circumstances. Please get in touch for more information.</p>
Azipod® is a gearless electric steerable propulsion system. The electric-drive motor is housed inside a submerged pod outside the vessel’s hull. Azipod® units can rotate 360 degrees, which means they can both drive and steer the vessel - without needing a conventional rudder or shaftline.
Traditional propulsion systems use mechanical shafts and rudders which create noise, vibration, drag, and design issues. Azipod® eliminates gearboxes and shafts entirely enabling more flexible vessel designs enabling space savings onboard.
This results in vessels with greater efficiency enabled by unrestricted waterflow, improved manoeuvrability, reduced vibration, lower noise levels, and more design freedom. Optimizing hydrodynamic flow around the propeller reduces energy loss seen in mechanical gear systems. Depending on the vessel type, this can result in fuel savings of up to 20%.
Azipod® propulsion systems is a registered trademark of ABB, a global leader in marine electric propulsion, electrification and automation. Their technology enables a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.
Yes. By removing the need for mechanical shafts and gearboxes, Azipod® significantly reduces vibration and noise. This improves passenger comfort on vessels like cruise ships and ferries. It also reduces fatigue loading on vessel structures.