ABB enhances efficiency of Azipod electric propulsion with digital solution

Already delivering decisive efficiency gains to an ever-increasing variety of ship types, ABB Azipod electric propulsion now benefits from an automated steering function that helps further minimize fuel consumption and emissions.

The new digital solution, ABB Ability OptimE – Toe Angle Optimization for Propulsion, supports crew in achieving maximum propulsion efficiency by automatically selecting the optimal steering angle for the ship’s Azipod system. With ABB Ability OptimE, further fuel savings of up to 1.5 percent are achievable depending on a ship’s operating profile, in addition to Azipod propulsion’s ability to cut fuel consumption by up to 20 percent when compared with a traditional shaftline setup.

Without requiring any additional skills from the crew, the digital solution adds a new dimension to proven Azipod systems efficiencies, which have already saved more than 1,000,000 tons of fuel in the cruise sector alone. ABB Ability OptimE automatically adjusts the steering angle to achieve continuous optimal flow through the propulsors, taking prevailing operational needs and working conditions into account.

“Maximizing the energy efficiency of assets is a top priority for ABB and we are delighted to demonstrate yet further fuel savings and emission reductions in our Azipod propulsion systems,” said Antto Shemeikka, Vice President Digital Services, ABB Marine & Ports. “We view the ship as a system where hardware and software operate seamlessly together to deliver maximum efficiency. We believe that every shipowner using Azipod technology will want to capitalize on the further efficiency gains enabled by ABB Ability OptimE.”

Suitable both for newbuilds and retrofitting, ABB Ability OptimE is the latest example of the growing number of ABB Marine & Ports ‘Bridge to Propeller’ integrated solutions for ships, which include bridge control, sensors, digital reporting, automation, and propulsion technology.

ABB Azipod propulsion is a gearless steerable propulsion system where the electric drive motor is in a submerged pod outside the ship’s hull. Azipod units can rotate through 360 degrees to increase maneuverability and operating efficiency. Due to minimal noise and vibration, Azipod propulsion also improves passenger and crew comfort.