Azipod propulsion in transshipment first

The delivery saw two 1.9MW Azipod units installed on each of the 21,500DWT transshipment bulkers for Oldendorff Carriers as part of a package of electric, digital and connected solutions from ABB. The scope of supply also included diesel-electric power plant, drive systems complete with two bow thruster motors, power management systems for propulsion and cargo handling, as well as a 50/60-Hz connectors to draw on zero emission shore power when in port.

Jiafa Jiang, vice general manager of Chenxi Shipyard (Yangzhou), said, “This was Chengxi Shipyard’s first time installing Azipod technology, and the process went remarkably smoothly.

“ABB worked seamlessly with Chenxi Shipyard to ensure successful delivery of this world’s first self-unloading transshipment vessel,” he added.

Controlling a fleet of around 700 ships, around 95% of Oldendorff’s owned fleet is comprised of ‘eco’ newbuilds delivered since 2014. Since its forthcoming vessels will be tasked with transferring cargo from oceangoing ships for delivery to a port with restricted draft and space, manoeuvrability is also a vital consideration.

“Because the electric drive motor is housed within a submerged pod outside the ship’s hull, the Azipod unit is capable of 360-degree rotation, improving manoeuvrability and operational efficiency,” explained Juha Koskela, division president, ABB Marine & Ports.

Over the course of three decades, ABB has supplied Azipod units for around 25 vessel types, with the propulsion system accumulating more than 17 million running hours in that time.