Azipod is a podded electric main propulsion and steering system driving a fixed-pitch propeller at vari-able speed both in ahead and astern rotation. Azipod propulsion is designed for the preferential use of the (directly driven) pulling propeller when driv-ing in the ahead direction.

This Product Introduction provides Azipod propulsion system data and information for initial project planning of an icebreaking or ice-going ship with an Azipod propulsion solution.

Azipod is a trademarked azimuth thruster pod design, a marine propulsion unit consisting of a fixed pitch propeller mounted on a steerable gondola ("pod") containing the electric motor driving the propeller, allowing ships to be more maneuverable.

The Azipod XO2100 and XO2300 are the successors to the classic “V21” and “V23” series Azipod products. Azipod propulsion is designed for the preferential use of the (directly driven) pulling propeller when driving in the ahead direction.

With the electric drive motor housed within a pod outside the ship hull, the Azipod® system can rotate 360 degrees, significantly increasing maneuverability and operating efficiency of a vessel, while cutting fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared to conventional shaftline systems.

Now ABB takes podded propulsion to the next level with the Azipod® XO, the new generation Azipod® in the 4.5-25 MW power range. Azipod® is an azimuthing electric podded propulsion system providing both vessel propulsion and steering in a single unit.

Two main variants are built: Azipod VO (optimized for open water operation) and Azipod VI ( for operation in ice and for icebreaker use). The power ratings for Azipod VO are specified according to the five different basic frame sizes. The rat- ings are nominally the same as the ones designed for Azipod X series (see further).

Azipod® is a gearless 360° steerable propulsion system, where the electric motor is located in a submerged pod outside the ship hull. By utilizing the Azipod® system’s maneuverability, marine vessels can direct thrust in any direction with incredible precision, saving time and fuel.

- CRP Azipod® is a unique contra-rotating propulsion system designed specifically for high-speed, high-power vessels such as Ultra Large Container ships, LNG carriers and RoPax ferries.

Azipod pro-pulsion brings reliability in the operations in the harsh arctic en-vironment with ice-going vessels; it creates customer comfort in operations in the warm Carib-bean sea with large cruise vessels; and it provides luxury of silence for private yachting around the world.