Azipods: What They Are and How They Impact Sea Travel

Azipods are a trademarked family of electronic propulsion systems commonly used for vessels such as cruise ships, instead of the traditional system of propeller, shaft and rudder. The Azipod is noted for its impact on making sea travel both easier and more efficient.

What is the Azipod?

Azipod is a term coined by contracting the words “azimuth” and “pod.” This refers to the propulsion unit’s ability to move 360 degrees. Azipod technology dates to 1990 when ABB, a Swiss company, first developed it. The company has since developed several more efficient versions of the Azipod.

The Azipod system is affixed to the outside of a vessel inside a pod or casing unit. This multifaceted unit fulfills the duties traditionally performed by a ship’s:

• propulsion motor;
• main propeller;
• rudder; and
• stern thruster.

Several versions of the Azipod are in popular use in the maritime industries. This includes the CRP Azipod, which was introduced in 2002. This version consists of two propellers that face one another and rotate in opposite directions. It is particularly popular for high-speed ferries.

The Benefits of the Azipod

The Azipod technology has been heralded by many in the maritime industry for its impact on the cost and ease of operating a variety of vessels.

Below are some of the most commonly discussed benefits of the Azipod:

• Conservation of space: The Azipod unit combines the function of several traditional ship components, leaving space to be used for other purposes.
• Fuel efficiency: Data show use of an Azipod on a cruise ship may cut fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent, according to ABB. This is in contrast to diesel-electric propulsion technology that makes use of a conventional shaft-line system. Fuel efficiency may be even better when using the CRP Azipod in ships such as high-speed ferries.
• Better maneuverability: The pod’s design allows for the unit to move a full 360 degrees, making it easier for large ships to maneuver through ports and channels.
• Less noise: The Azipod generally creates less noise – and rattle –

throughout the ship than a traditional propulsion system as it maneuvers.

The Azipod system is not an appropriate option for all ships, particularly older vessels or those based on traditional design. The installation of an Azipod system in such situations may represent a significant cost and time expenditure that is not justified by potential fuel savings.

Azipod’s Impact on National and International Sea Travel

The Azipod system has become increasingly popular in certain maritime industries, including the cruise industry. Other vessel types that have made use of the technology, according to ABB, include:

• ice breakers;
• yachts;
• ferries;
• arctic tankers;
• offshore supply vessels; and
• drilling rigs.

The widespread use of this technology may have the impact of pushing additional developments in fuel efficiency for large vessels.

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