German bulk carrier company Oldendorff Carriers has confirmed that ABB’s Azipod electric propulsion units will be fitted to two newbuild bulk carriers.
Each 21,500 DWT vessel will feature two 1.9MW Azipod units. ABB 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.
“The choice of Azipod electric propulsion system has reduced the investment costs dramatically as the vessels are already equipped with high power generation required for self-unloading/loading cargo handling,” said Jan Henneberg, newbuilding manager, Oldendorff Carriers. “These shuttle vessels must perform reliably over an extended period at maximum efficiency and need to be especially maneuverable in shallow waters.”
The Azipod propulsion system, where the electric drive motor is in a submerged pod outside the ship hull, can rotate 360 degrees to increase maneuverability and operating efficiency, as well as maximise cargo space onboard.
“This is a significant breakthrough for Azipod propulsion, reaching a ship type that some suggested would always remain closed to podded propulsion,” stated Juha Koskela, managing director, ABB Marine & Ports. “We are especially pleased to add Oldendorff Carriers as an Azipod propulsion reference, considering its reputation for building and operating high quality, reliable and environmentally-friendly ships.”
The newbuild vessels are developed by Shanghai-based CS Marine design company together with Oldendorff Carriers. The self-loading vessels will be able to unload cargo utilising a built-in conveyor system and without the need for assistance from shoreside equipment or personnel. Oldendorff Carriers will deploy the vessels for transshipment operations – transfer of cargo offshore from oceangoing vessels before delivery to the final destination.
Both vessels are due for delivery to Oldendorff Carriers in 2021 from the Chengxi Shipyard in China.
