ABB announced to enter a new market segment with an order to install an Azipod electric propulsion on board two[ds_preview] dry bulk carriers from Germany’s largest bulk carrier company Oldendorff Carriers. Two self-unloading dry cargo transshipment units will be the first bulk carriers to feature the system. Both 21,500tdw vessels, due for delivery in 2021, will feature two 1.9MW Azipod units. ABB said it will also supply »a wide range of electric, digital and connected solutions«, including main diesel-electric power plant, generators, bow thruster motors, transformers, switchboards and the power management system for propulsion and cargo handling. Oldendorff said, the choice has reduced the investment costs »dramatically« as the vessels are already equipped with high power generation required for self-unloading/loading. The shuttle vessels must perform reliably at maximum efficiency and need to be especially maneuverable in shallow waters.
