SOLUTION OVERVIEW

What millions of years have perfected through evolution, fascinates human beings over and over again. Inspired by evolution and made possible by experienced and curious minds at ABB, we are pushing the boundaries of technology to drive efficiency and performance to a new level.

 

ABB Dynafin™ is a new concept representing an advanced ship propulsion system, breaking new ground for efficiency in the marine industry. Inspired by the dynamic motions of a whale’s tail, the innovative concept replicates the tails motion with the blades trajectories. This is the result of over a decade of research, development, and testing driving an efficient new solution.

The new concept is all about operational convenience and enabling zero-emission goals made possible by a technology that represents the future of the maritime industry.

KEY BENEFITS

ABB Dynafin™ is an ultra efficient ship propulsion system perfected by evolution, progress and technology. It sets the standards for future operations.

Radically high efficiency

Extensive studies (CFD and model tests) have shown unparalleled propulsion efficiencies. Up to 25% better propulsion efficiency compared to shaftline propulsion, leading to fuel savings and emission reduction.

Precise maneuverability

Individual blade control allows fast thrust vectoring in all operational situations. Immediate control and precise dynamic positioning ensure excellent manoeuvrability for more comfortable onboard experiences.

Robust maintainability

A modular structure allows for easy accessibility to main components and overhauls. The reduced number of components means less parts to service and maintain, keeping costs low.

How ABB Dynafin™ works

This efficient ship propulsion system is essentially a cycloidal propeller with individually controlled blades. The thrust is generated by means of profiled blades that project from the bottom of the ship. Each blade can rotate both around the global axis of a main wheel and around its own local axis, which acts as a pivot point for enforcing a prescribed pitch motion. The trajectory of the thrusting blades resembles those of a whales tail. This pitch motion leads to a very high propulsive efficiency. The propulsor is also able to change thrust direction almost instantaneously, increasing vessel manoeuvrability.

efficient ship propulsor verified

Ship propulsor efficiency for the ABB Dynafin™ has been verified by the leading maritime research institute MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands).



Having undergone tests, MARIN has concluded that the propulsion concept, based on whale tail movements, will convert to a significant high efficiency. This will lead to substantial fuel savings, and remarkably lower ship emissions.

Technical articles

MARIN tests verify groundbreaking efficiency of ABB Dynafin™ propulsion

Leading maritime research institute MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands) provides independent validation of performance gains for ABB Dynafin™ propulsion   

ABB Dynafin™ wins Retina ECO award for environmental sustainability and innovation

ABB Dynafin™, the pioneering cycloidal propulsion concept, inspired by the movement of a whale’s tail, received the accolade at a prestigious Madrid ceremony attended by Queen Letizia of Spain - as a “technological innovation with a positive impact on sustainability and climate change”.

Command and control - how it works?

In contrast to a traditional ship’s propeller, ABB’s revolutionary marine propulsor, the ABB Dynafin, has multiple moving parts. To obtain optimal performance, these parts must be precisely orchestrated – even under the toughest oceanic conditions. For this task, a sophisticated control system is required.

Cavitation - what is it about?

Several of the articles in this edition of ABB Review relating to ABB Dynafin™ mention cavitation and stress its importance in marine design. But what exactly is cavitation  and why can it be detrimental to marine systems?

Bubbling under - testing via computational fluid dynamics

Cavitation and hydrodynamic performance are critical aspects of ABB Dynafin™, ABB’s high-efficiency ship propulsion system, that have been investigated at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland via computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

ABB Decoded: How ABB Dynafin™ could transform marine industry efficiency

ABB’s revolutionary ABB Dynafin™ propulsion system could reset marine efficiency standards and even lead to a re-imagining of ship design

A propeller revolution

Ship propulsion has changed little since the invention of the propellor. ABB’s new cycloidal-type propulsor concept, the ABB Dynafin™, is inspired by the movement of a whale’s tail. Dynafin heralds huge gains in efficiency and the prospect of massively reduced emissions across the marine industry.

Propulsion evolution

ABB’s new, cycloidal-type propulsor concept – ABB Dynafin – significantly increases a vessel’s efficiency and promises to substantially reduce emissions across the marine industry.

Strength through collaboration

A critical phase of the ABB Dynafin™ project was carried out in collaboration with VTT, the largest research and technology company conducting applied research in Finland. This work is one part of a valuable and ongoing cooperation between ABB and VTT.

ABB unveils revolutionary propulsion concept to significantly increase ship efficiency

Industry-first electric propulsion concept ABB Dynafin™ mimics the movements of a whale tail for ultimate efficiency, enabling new vessel designs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Discover further detail about the energy-saving propulsion technology in our FAQs.

  1. What is ABB Dynafin™ propulsion concept?

    The new propulsion concept features a main electric motor that powers a large wheel rotating at a moderate 30-80 rounds per minute. Vertical blades, each controlled by an individual motor and control system, extend from the wheel. The combined motion of the wheel and blades generates propulsion and steering forces simultaneously, enabling ground-breaking operational efficiency and precision for ships. The concept follows ABB’s proven design philosophy in marine propulsion of gearless power transmission.

  2. What are the unique values of ABB Dynafin™?

    The unique value of ABB Dynafin™ lies in its efficiency, with extensive studies (CFD and model tests) showing open water efficiencies to be up to 85%. Primarily, this means that the onboard experience is smoother, as individual blade control allows for flexibility in blade trajectories. This maximizes propulsion efficiency and responsiveness in all operational situations. Plus, flexibility in controlling the blades paves the way to minimize the underwater noise and maximize onboard comfort. In more technical detail, the concept mimics the powerful movement of a whale’s tail in water, facilitating the efficiency and ease of manoeuvrability.

  3. Which vessels is the ABB Dynafin™ propulsion system best suited for?

    The advanced ship propulsion system is particularly effective for medium-sized and smaller vessels, including passenger and cargo vessels, offshore vessels, and yachts. This is because the concept reduces vibrations and noise levels, improving passenger and crew comfort. In addition, the propulsion concept delivers superior maneuverability, and positioning performance, i.e., the capacity of the vessel to maintain the desired position and heading.

An independent study of ABB Dynafin™ from OSK-ShipTech A/S of a passenger vessel design equipped with different propulsion solutions has verified savings in propulsion energy consumption of up to 22 percent compared to conventional shaftline configuration. This can deliver significant savings in fuel consumption and help to avoid emissions for vessels fo this size or lower.

  4. Is it suitable for double-enders?

    Yes, double enders are very suitable for ABB Dynafin™ advanced propulsion system. Both load sharing between aft and bow or rudder modes are available.

  5. Is it suitable for dynamic position operation?

    Yes, ABB Dynafin™ is extremely responsive which means it is suitable for dynamic position operation. The responsiveness helps the vessel in station keeping at lower power consumption.

  6. Is it designed for new builds only, or can it be retrofitted?

    ABB Dynafin™ is suitable for both new builds and retrofits.

WHAT'S YOUR CHALLENGE?

Decarbonization and regulatory complexity

The maritime sector faces mounting pressure to meet IMO’s net-zero targets, navigate evolving emissions rules (CII, EEXI), and comply with regional frameworks like EU ETS. Uncertainty around future fuels and inconsistent ESG standards complicate long-term investment and vessel design decisions.

Fuel transition and cost volatility

Fuel remains the largest operational expense, and the shift to alternative fuels is hindered by infrastructure gaps, fluctuating prices, and unclear safety standards. Owners must plan for flexibility, as fuel-agnostic solutions offer adaptability without locking into a single energy pathway.

Climate resilience and extreme weather

Ports and vessels are increasingly exposed to climate-related disruptions, such as storms, flooding, and sea-level rise. Building climate-resilient infrastructure and enhancing weather routing capabilities are essential to safeguard operations.

Aging assets and fleet renewal

Many ports and fleets are operating beyond their intended lifespan, facing costly retrofits to meet modern standards. Smaller operators struggle with financing, delaying necessary upgrades, and risking non-compliance or inefficiency.

Technology integration and investment risk

Modern vessels are complex ecosystems, but rapid innovation outpaces validation and interoperability. Owners face CAPEX–OPEX trade-offs and risk investing in "future-proof" concepts that may lack technical or economic viability.

Digitalization and cybersecurity challenges

Digital tools promise efficiency and predictive insights, yet outdated IT systems, cyber threats, and unclear ROI hinder adoption. Without robust data and lifecycle modeling, design decisions often fall short of delivering expected performance gains.

Operational efficiency

Within this, our power systems deliver energy efficiency on their own, but also our digital, control, automation, and propulsion solutions, which together enable enhanced operational efficiency (DP, port calls, maneuvering, safety, etc.). This leads to time saved, less energy spent, and subsequently operational cost reduction.

Underwater Radiated Noise

Underwater radiated noise (URN) is crucial because it affects marine ecosystems, especially species that rely on sound for communication and navigation. Excessive noise can disrupt animal behavior, cause stress, and degrade habitats. It's also a key factor in naval stealth and regulatory compliance, and is actively managed within designated operational areas to minimize environmental impact. Reducing URN supports both sustainability and vessel performance.

it pays to Choose abb

ABB's marine propulsion solutions have revolutionized marine transport with unparalleled performance, efficiency and reliability.

over 30+

<p>Years of successful operations with Azipod® propulsion​</p>

over 800+

<p>Total number of Azipod® units in delivered</p>

over 35+

<p>Ship types equipped with Azipod® propulsion</p>

over 350+

<p>Vessels operating with Azipod® propulsion</p>

Speak to an expert

<p>Speak to Janne Pohjalainen, Global Product Line Manager, ABB Dynafin™ for a bespoke consultation to discuss your needs and how you could benefit from our innovative propulsion system.</p>

INTEGRATES WELL WITH

Onboard DC Grid™

Get seamless, flexible integration of energy sources and loads with the highly-customizable Onboard DC Grid™.

Energy storage solutions

Future-proof your vessel and prepare for viable energy sources with our energy storage solutions.

Marine Pilot Control

Easily control your vessel during all operational modes including maneuvering, transit and position-keeping.

Solutions and services

Play your part in working towards a zero-emission marine industry with ABB marine solutions and services.

Azipod®

Azipod® propulsion is a gearless steerable propulsion system where the electric drive motor is housed within a pod outside the ship hull.