Boating Industry International reports Azimut yacht will feature podded propulsor

Azimut yacht to feature podded propulsor

Representatives of marine electrical equipment and propulsion specialists ABB have confirmed that the company has been awarded a contract by Azimut-Benetti in Viareggio, Italy to supply a new type of 'podded' propulsor on a leisure craft.

The podded propulsors, which will take the place of conventional propellers on the 65-metre boat, are part of an integrated propulsion and on-board power package that ABB will supply for the craft. The package includes the craft's electrical power, distribution, propulsion and automation equipment.

Speaking to BIIOnline at the Shipbuilding, Machinery & Marine (SMM) technology trade fair in Hamburg last week, ABB officials confirmed that the vessel will be equipped with twin 'Compact Azipod' units, rated at 1,070 kilowatts (kW) each.

Compact Azipods of 400-5,400 kW are available from ABB, but have hitherto only been used on large commercial vessels such as cruise ships.

Use of new technology in leisure market to grow?

ABB said it believes that the advantages of podded propulsors like the Azipod will see the device and others like it that are being developed by ABB's competitors win many more orders in the superyacht and megayacht market.

The pod and the propeller is mounted on a strut beneath the hull of the vessel on which it is installed, thus providing a number of advantages, such as reduced structure borne vibration, enhanced maneuverability in adverse weather and sea conditions, and better fuel economy.

Podded propulsors like the Compact Azipod enhance the maneuverability of the craft in which they are installed because the pod can rotate through 360 degrees, said the company.

The pod incorporates a permanent magnet electric motor, which drives the propeller, said ABB.

Another advantage is that the Compact Azipod is a 'direct drive' system with a fixed pitch propeller, thus eliminating the need for mechanical gears, the company stated.

Company literature provided by ABB at the show said accurate speed and torque control are provided by a frequency converter.

"The concept allows full thrust in all directions," said ABB. "The electrical steering system eliminates the need for hydraulic oil and reduces the acoustic noise to a minimum. The simple, modular construction of the system allows quick installation and reduces maintenance requirements."

— David Foxwell

Oops - this is from http://www.boating-industry.com/news...e=4&N_ID=34825 (not sure if that link will work)