Series

Podded azimuth thrusters like the Azipod Series are commonly used on a variety of marine vessels, particularly those requiring high maneuverability and efficiency in tight spaces or challenging environments such as ice-infested waters. These thrusters operate by using seawater as a cooling medium and feature a range of power outputs from 1,000 to 22,000 kW. The Azipod Series includes several variants designed for different size ranges and operational requirements, such as the Azipod C, Azipod CO, Azipod VI, Azipod XO, and Azipod XL models. Maintenance is critical, with common issues including slewing ring wear, motor insulation failure, shaft seal leaks, and hydraulic system problems. Regular inspections and tests are necessary, such as the slewing bearing inspection every five years and annual testing of the steering system. Continuous monitoring of motor insulation is also recommended using the ABB Ability system. Major overhauls require drydock operations and can take up to 16 weeks to complete, emphasizing the importance of having an ABB service agreement in place.