Under a contract valued at over US$300M, ABB will supply Azipod propulsion packages for six ARC7-class ice-breaking LNG carriers
The contract was awarded by South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), which is constructing the vessels to support Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 project when delivered in 2023.
ABB reported that each of the six LNG carriers will have three 17-MW Azipod propulsion units – the largest and most powerful ever supplied for ships operating in ice. As a result, each LNG carrier will have a total power of 51 MW, allowing them to navigate safely through ice up to 2.1 m thick.
As reported previously, working with operator Arctic LNG 2, Sovcomflot (SCF) concluded 30-year time charter agreements for three Yamalmax LNG carriers being built by DSME. Each vessel has an overall length of 299.9 m, beam of 47.4 m, open water speed of 19.5 knots, with Azipod propulsion, and a capacity of 172,410 m2. The design was jointly developed by Aker Arctic, DSME and Novatek. The other three ARC7-class LNG carriers are chartered by Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL).
A popular choice for icebreakers, ABB Azipod propulsion systems consist of an electric drive motor in submerged pod outside the ship hull that can rotate 360 degrees, providing excellent manoeuvrability in ice-infested waters.
The order follows the successful delivery of ABB’s leading-edge technology for the 15-ship series servicing the Yamal LNG project – one of the largest orders ever for ABB Marine & Ports, completed in 2019.
“We are proud to see our technology once again chosen for demanding operations in the Arctic,” said ABB Marine & Ports division president Juha Koskela. “We are committed to supporting the growing Arctic maritime industries with our unparalleled technology that has over the years proven to enable safe, sustainable operations and ensures year-round transportation of cargoes across the Northern Sea Route.”
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