American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued a product design assessment (PDA) certificate after prototype testing of E-Pod Propulsion’s E-pod thrusters
A subsidiary of Engtek, E-Pod Propulsion manufactures electrically driven propulsion systems in a power range of 150kW, 250kW, 350kW.
The ABS PDA is an assessment of materials, components, products or systems for a specific use in compliance with ABS rules, guides and national or international standards. Based on PDA, the final approval is given when an engineer or surveyor accepts the assessed item for a specific user and installation.
The Singapore-based manufacturer has been producing a full line of E-pod units, ranging from tunnel thrusters, stern thrusters, deck-mounted stern thrusters and retractable and rotating auxiliary thrusters, for eight years.
These systems have been refined to be lighter, more compact and more efficient over the years. E-pods are suited for diesel-electric, marine hybrid-electric and all-electric applications.
Podded propulsion systems have grown popular across the spectrum of offshore energy, cruise, ferry, tug and megayacht applications. Lacking the need for a direct connection between the propeller shaft and prime mover, these systems take up less space than convention propulsion resulting in reduced torsional, sound and vibration stresses. It is more energy efficient, eliminating the loss of power between the shaft lines and gearboxes.
Notably, in China, a 25-m multi-role aluminium, catamaran-hulled rescue vessel Nam Van was constructed with E-Pod Propulsion’s 50-kW vertical retractable thruster and a 22-kW tunnel thruster with variable drive frequency and full control systems.
With the Port of Singapore’s decarbonisation drive gearing up and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore set to electrify its harbour fleet, E-Pod Propulsion hopes to grow and expand its presence.
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