ABB, a leading company in electrification and automation technology, has won Business Expansion award in the 2024 Ship Technology Excellence Awards for its advancements in propulsion technology and commitment to sustainability.
The Ship Technology Excellence Awards celebrate the greatest achievements and innovations in the shipping industry. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies that are driving change in the industry.
ABB won the award due to its groundbreaking Azipod® propulsion technology, which sets a new industry standard for efficiency and sustainability. The company’s strategic partnership with Fincantieri, marked by the supply of advanced propulsion systems for new cruise vessels, underscores its significant role in driving the cruise sector’s growth and innovation.
ABB’s Azipod® propulsion technology sets industry standard
ABB’s Azipod® propulsion system represents an innovative approach to maritime propulsion. The Azipod® system is distinguished by its fourth-generation permanent magnet motors, which are not only compatible with alternative energy sources but are also designed to work with the next generation of cleaner fuels. This compatibility is crucial as the maritime industry moves towards reducing its carbon footprint and adhering to stricter environmental regulations.
The Azipod® system’s design is a marvel of engineering, with the electric drive motor located in a pod outside the ship’s hull, enabling the pod to rotate 360 degrees. This unparalleled maneuverability is a significant advantage for cruise ships, particularly when docking and navigating through tight spaces. The system’s impact on ship handling reduces the need for tug assistance, leading to further operational cost savings.
Moreover, the Azipod® system’s improved hydrodynamic performance not only contributes to a smoother and quieter ride for passengers, but also reduces fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to conventional shaftline systems. This reduction in fuel usage directly translates to lower emissions, making ABB’s technology a key contributor to the industry’s sustainability goals. The Azipod® system’s efficiency and reliability have been proven over three decades of operation, with the technology being deployed across a wide range of vessel types, from icebreakers to luxury cruise ships.
ABB and Fincantieri partnership drives cruise sector expansion
The strategic partnership between ABB and Fincantieri for the delivery of eight mid-range Azipod® propulsion systems represents a step forward in ABB’s business expansion in the cruise sector. This collaboration is set to deliver four state-of-the-art medium-sized cruise ships, with one vessel expected to be delivered each year starting in 2024. The partnership not only demonstrates ABB’s capacity to fulfill large-scale and technologically complex orders, but also its role as a key player in the evolution of cruise ship design and construction.
Massimo Costa’s endorsement of the Azipod® propulsion system as the industry standard reflects the system’s widespread acceptance and the trust that shipbuilders place in ABB’s technology. The Azipod® system’s ability to integrate with various shipboard systems, including propulsion drives, transformers, and control systems, provides a comprehensive solution that enhances overall vessel performance.
In addition to the propulsion systems, ABB’s scope of supply includes delivering the necessary propulsion drives, transformers, and control systems for each vessel, ensuring a fully integrated approach to vessel power and propulsion. This integrated approach is essential for optimizing the ship’s overall energy efficiency and performance.
Furthermore, ABB’s collaboration with classification society RINA to develop new concepts for shipping decarbonization highlights the company’s proactive stance on environmental stewardship. This initiative reflects ABB’s broader commitment to supporting the maritime industry’s transition to a low-carbon future, aligning with global decarbonization targets and contributing to the development of sustainable shipping practices.
Company Profile
ABB is a global technology leader with over 140 years of experience in electrification and automation, employing more than 105,000 professionals worldwide. The company is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that optimize manufacturing, transportation, and energy management.
With a strong commitment to sustainability, ABB collaborates closely with customers, partners, and suppliers to tackle the world’s energy challenges and promote resource efficiency. Their diverse business areas—Electrification, Motion, Process Automation, and Robotics & Discrete Automation—enable ABB to drive industrial transformation and enhance operational efficiency across various sectors.
Contact Details
Affolternstrasse 44
8050 Zurich
Switzerland
Phone: +41 43 317 7111
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