ABB announces the launch of a revolutionary propulsion system, ABB Dynafin, inspired by the movement of the whale's tail, and ABB's extensive experience and expertise in the maritime industry, as well as its tradition of innovation, are the driving force behind this new concept.
ABB announced on May 31 the launch of ABB Dynafin™, a revolutionary new concept for a propulsion system that represents efficiency in the marine industry, the result of more than a decade of research, development and testing. To improve the efficiency and fuel consumption of various vessels, ABB expects the first prototype to be ready by 2025.
Juha Koskela, President of ABB's Ships and Ports division, commented: "ABB Dynafin™ represents the progress made by ship engineers in combining evolutionary principles with technology. The solution focuses on improving operational efficiency and avoiding emissions and draws on the capabilities of some of the most skilled talent in marine and propulsion engineering. ”
The propulsion concept is characterized by a main motor driving a large wheel that rotates at a speed of 30-80 revolutions per minute. Vertical blades protrude from the impeller, each driven by a separate motor and control system. The movement of the wheels and blades generates both propulsion and steering forces, providing efficiency and precision to the vessel. The concept follows ABB's proven design philosophy for gearless power transmission marine propulsion.
An independent study by OSK-ShipTech on the design of a passenger vessel equipped with different propulsion solutions, including ABB Dynafin™, confirmed a 22% reduction in propulsion energy consumption compared to traditional shafting configurations. This potential to reduce fuel consumption is important in the context of reduced emissions. The propulsion concept is also in line with zero-emission battery and fuel cell technologies.
ABB Dynafin is initially available in the power range of 1-4 MW/unit. According to ABB, the system is particularly effective for medium- and small-sized vessels, including car and passenger ferries, offshore support vessels for wind farms and yachts. By mitigating vibration and noise levels, the system helps improve passenger and crew comfort. Superior maneuverability and positioning performance further enhance the system's ability to maintain the desired position and course.
This new concept is the latest addition to ABB's portfolio of electrical, automation and digital technologies. With its market-leading expertise in electric and hybrid propulsion, the company has been pushing the boundaries of technology and taking efficiency, performance and sustainability to new levels with more than 30 years of Azipod® pod propulsion. The new propulsion concept will complement the existing propulsion mix.
The maritime industry is responsible for almost 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions each year. If it were a country, it would be the sixth largest emitter. However, since about 90% of global trade is conducted by sea, it is the center of cargo transportation. Without action, the maritime industry could account for 13% of global emissions by 2050. At the same time, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a goal of reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. While the industry agrees that no single solution can provide a "magic fix," low-carbon fuels, alternative energy sources, data analytics and energy-efficient devices all have a role to play, and the role of new innovations can become compelling.
"ABB's early research in the yachting sector suggests that ABB Dynafin™ will have great potential in the superyacht segment. Initially in the power range of 1-4 MW each, this concept will be suitable for yachts of 60 meters and above. ”
ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation and is committed to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company's solutions combine engineering and software to optimize how items are manufactured, transported, powered and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB's approximately 105,000 employees drive innovation and accelerate industry transformation.