Installing a pod drive on a vessel is one way of propelling a ship. Nowadays
this driving method is used for several types of vessels such as cruise ships, ferries, mega yachts and offshore vessels
But this technology is also becoming more and more interesting for icebreakers and icegoing vessels. Of course there is no[ds_preview] saying which system generally is the best. The effectiveness of a propulsion system depends as much on the propeller layout as on the purpose of the vessel.
The distinctive feature of a pod drive is its ability to rotate 360° vertically. To ensure this chacteristic a pod drive is surrounded by a gondola and mounted rotatable. The propeller can be positioned either as a drag-propeller at the forefront of the gondola or as thrust propeller at the rear of it. A combination of one or more free-range drag and thrust propellers is also possible.
In contrast to this propulsion method the drive of a propeller thruster is located in the ship’s hull and connected with the propeller via mechanical drive shafts.
Regarding the pod drives, manafacturers only have done a few technical adjustments in the past year. For the future experts still see room for development the field of mechanical engineering. The goal is furthermore to reduce the housing sizes and the coolings of the gondola.
As for interesting current orders of pod propulsion systems ABB recently got an order to deliver Azipod propulsion for the more than 100m long mega yacht »Zoza« (working title). The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2018 and will be built by Benetti shipyard in Livorno, Italy.
According to the company the owner of the ship selected ABB’s Azipod propulsion at an early stage of the design process, after prioritizing energy efficiency and passenger comfort. The vessel will feature two Azipod C propulsion units which will bring maximum manoeuverability whilst producing minimal noise and vibration ABB stated.
The end result of the project will be a high-tech solution with six main engines and an electrical power plant, with the option to connect with a battery plant. It is said that »Zoza« will be one of the first yachts in the world equipped with this solution.
