ABB, the leading propulsion solution provider, has revealed that an 8,000 kW rescue tug, the first vessel installed with its Azipod D electric propulsion system, has been successfully delivered to customer Guangzhou Salvage Bureau, a division of the Chinese Ministry of Transport. The vessel was built by Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard. Before delivery, the rescue tug was tested in sea trials where it exceeded design targets in bollard pull, fuel economy, manoeuvrability, and low-load performance.
The Azipod D product portfolio, available across a power range from 1.5 MW to 7.5 MW, incorporates ground-breaking thruster technology enabling installed power savings of up to 25%, less maintenance and significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Unique advantages make the design suitable for a wide range of vessel types.
Captain Shaohua Liu of the rescue tug, declared: “We are really impressed with the vessel’s performance. Response time and manoeuvrability, both of which are critical in our operations, are excellent. Less power was required than we expected for a given function. The Azipod D has exceeded our expectations by far.”
Jaakko Aho, Vice President Thruster Products, ABB Marine & Ports, said: “The Azipod D range demonstrates our continuing drive to raise efficiency and cut lifetime running costs. More can now be achieved with less, and the scalable Azipod D is suitable for an even broader range of applications compared with earlier units.” Referring to the product range itself, he commented: “With proven reliability, lower installed power requirements, economic efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements, we are confident of out-performing our peers and strengthening our position as the supplier of choice for high-end thrusters.
Alf Kåre Ådnanes, head of ABB China Marine & Ports is pleased with this recent development. He notes that the success is a result of partnering in the marine cluster of yards, designers, class and ship owners, and a Made in China model for production and execution. “These products are built to the company’s sector-leading standards by ABB in China. As the new construction market turns up, we are certain that our Azipod D technology will be in heavy demand across a range of discerning operators and their specific requirements in many sectors,” Ådnanes said.
