Up to 5,000kW for Azipull

3 January 2006

Ulstein Aquamaster Azipull thruster

Ulstein Aquamaster Azipull thrusters with their pulling propellers and special hydrodynamic design have proved very popular since their introduction in 2003. The main advantages of the Azipull concept are improved efficiency giving lower fuel consumption, and reduced noise and vibration. These virtues are confirmed by results from vessels in hard commercial service. They are used to propel ferries, offshore vessels and product tankers and to date 80 units have been sold.

First to be introduced was the AZP085, rated at up to 1,500kW, and it was quickly followed by the AZP100 and AZP120 sizes to meet the demands of the offshore support vessel and smaller merchant vessel market, bringing the power range to 3,500kW.

Now the power range of this thruster family is extended to 5,000kW with the introduction of the AZP150 size, which uses the same mechanical geared pod technology to give the similar benefits.

The first pair of Azipull AZP150 thrusters now on order will provide main propulsion for a large offshore construction vessel currently being built for Solstad in Norway.