ABB to retrofit Spanish Navy flagship with electric propulsion system

A contract has been awarded to ABB by the Spanish Navantia shipbuilding company for retrofitting an electrical propulsion system based on dual ABB Azipod units to Spanish Navy flagship vessel, the Juan Carlos I.

The project, which is due to be completed in 2025, is stated to be the first of its kind for a naval ship. For the retrofit, ABB will supply the vessel with two Azipod propulsors and medium voltage drives to enhance the ship’s efficiency and maneuverability during operations.

In 2020, ABB conducted a feasibility study to determine which propulsors should be installed on board, with the company deciding on the ABB Azipod as the correct equipment to meet the navy vessel’s reliability, efficiency, maneuverability and safety requirements.

ABB’s solution has been designed to deliver a high level of maneuverability, negating the need for tugs to be used in harbor operations. Furthermore, the design reduces vibrations and saves valuable space on board the vessel.

“Navantia is proud to make history with the first retrofit of this kind on a naval ship,” said a spokesperson for the state-owned company. “ABB Azipod propulsion system has proven to be highly effective in ensuring the optimal capacity of our flagship vessel and we look forward to seeing the benefits in operation.”

“We are proud to see our Azipod propulsion system chosen for this project,” commented Sindre Satre, business line manager, coast guard and navy, ABB Marine & Ports. “We already have a long track record with highly efficient solutions on the commercial market and now see that our technologies are becoming increasingly viable also for naval vessels.”