The Polar Research Institute of China has chosen ABB’s Azipod propulsion system for a Chinese polar science research icebreaker to improve fuel efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and enhance safety.
The research icebreaker ship, built in China, will be equipped with ABB’s two Azipod VI units to provide a combined power of 15 MWs. The propulsion thrusters will improve the operability, manoeuvrability and icebreaking capabilities of the vessel and will meet all requirements of sailing in non-restricted waters in the North and South Pole sea areas.
The Azipod units also feature in-built high-efficiency AC motors and fixed-pitch propellers directly mounted on the motor shaft. The system also only uses electrical cables between the power source and the electric motor compared with complex transmission with gears and shafts as typical in mechanical thrusters.
The icebreaker will also be able to operate stern or bow first thanks to the Azipod thruster’s ability to turn 360 degrees.
ABB Turbocharging will also provide A100-M turbochargers, offering turbocharging efficiency and allowing enhanced engine load response suitable for adverse environments.
The research icebreaker is the first ship to be independently built by China and will be deployed for science research. It will join the existing the ‘Xue Long’ icebreaker, promoting the development of polar science research in China.
Ship Efficiency Review News
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