ABB providing Azipod electric propulsion for superyacht

ABB said it will provide Azipod electric propulsion for an eco-friendly superyacht.

The contract with Dutch luxury yacht builder Oceanco for the Azipod technology installation project paves the way for broader cooperation on sustainable electric propulsion in a market expected to exceed US$10 billion by 2025, according to ABB.

ABB’s integrated project scope for the sustainable superyacht covers the supply of two 2.5 MW Azipod units, together with propulsion drives and controls.

Specified for a superyacht built to the highest sustainability standards, ABB’s integrated project scope covers the supply of two 2.5 MW Azipod units, together with propulsion drives and controls.

ABB said the Azipod system is well-known for superior fuel efficiency and maneuverability over conventional setups across a broad variety of vessel types from cruise ships to tankers and ferries. The scalability of Azipod propulsion means that it is can be used in the environmentally-conscious superyacht sector, a market where owners also place special value on the highest comfort standards brought by lower noise and vibrations, the company said.

Azipod technology is based on a steerable propulsion system whose electric drive is contained in a submerged pod outside the ship’s hull rotating through 360 degrees. Launched three decades ago, Azipod propulsion has become an industry benchmark for environmentally-friendly vessel technology, with its proven ability to cut fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to traditional shaftline propulsion systems.

With Oceanco’s ultimate goal of zero impact on the environment, we are delighted to collaborate with ABB Marine & Ports, whose leading-edge technologies are known for delivering the sustainability benefits increasingly sought by superyacht owners,” said Remco Jurgens, Naval Architect, Oceanco. The two companies are assessing the potential for the integration of complete power and propulsion systems in future projects, he added.

“We are very pleased to have closed this first deal with Oceanco, and we look forward to collaborating in the future. Our two companies share an ethos of sustainable business development that provides a strong foundation for our relationship,” said Thomas Hackman, Market Development Manager, Superyachts, ABB Marine & Ports.

Both companies have recently underlined their commitment to sustainable development and ambitious targets that will also help decarbonize the marine sector. As part of its Sustainability strategy 2030 launched in November 2020, ABB will achieve carbon neutrality across its own operations and will support its customers in reducing their annual CO2 emissions by at least 100 megatonnes, equivalent to the annual emissions of 30 million combustion cars. Meanwhile, the superyacht builder has launched the Oceanco NXT initiative to collaborate with partners across different business sectors with the ultimate aim of designing and building zero-emission superyachts.