Six more ice-class LNG tankers to have ABB Azipod® propulsion
The Azipod® units boost manoeuvrability and save fuel (Source: ABB)
ABB has won a contract from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering for Azipod® propulsion systems for six icebreaking LNG carriers that will operate on the Northern Sea Route.
The 170,000m3 vessels, to be deployed on the Arctic LNG 2 project from 2023, will be classed to ARC7, the highest ice-class rating for commercial vessels. The 17-MW Azipod units, with electric drive units that can rotate through 360 degrees for maximum manoeuvrability, are part of a total ABB power and propulsion package that will also include generators, switchboards, transformers, electric drives and propulsion control systems.
The contract, worth more than USD 300 million, follows delivery of Azipod technology for a 15-ship series of ice-class LNG carriers built to service the Yamal LNG project, completed in 2019. The new units will be the most powerful ever supplied to ships operating in ice, enabling the vessels to navigate safely through ice up to 2.1m thick.
ABB Marine & Ports’ Division President, Juha Koskela, commented: “We are committed to supporting the growing Arctic maritime industries with our unparalleled technology that has over the years proven to enable safe, sustainable operations and ensures year-round transportation of cargoes across the Northern Sea Route.”
ABB has provided electric propulsion systems for more than 90 icebreakers and ice-class vessels. The Azipod range is available in units from 1MW to 22MW and can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20% compared with traditional propulsion systems, the company claims.
