ABB propulsion for wind turbine vessels

The Azipod C marine propulsion systems were delivered from ABB’s new Azipod C factory in Shanghai, China. This is a repeat order from Samsung Shipyard following a previous four Azipod order for the first Blue Ocean wind turbine installation vessel, delivered in 2011.

Heikki Soljama, global head of marine and cranes, ABB, said: “The Azipod C factory in Shanghai helps us meet the fast-growing demand of the Chinese shipyards for high-end vessels, at the same time, allowing us to get closer to customers of other key shipbuilding markets like Japan and South Korea.”

The systems save space inside the hull, allowing for more efficient ship design and equipment placement. It can also help reduce fuel consumption by 25% and improve the vessels’ manoeuvring abilities which will help the Blue Ocean vessels operate in a wider weather window.