Objective
Azimuthing pods are now used for the propulsion of large passenger vessels, for many reasons:
- global efficiency,
- manoeuvring performances,
- improvements in design and building of the vessel,
- industrial competitivity, etc.
Up to now it is mainly a European business, giving some technical and economic lead to companies involved in this market. The extension of such pods to many other types of ships will be effective within few years. It is then time to study all the consequences of the selection of azimuthing pods on design and operation of the ships, and also on safety and environment.
The OPTIPOD consortium includes partners of all types connected with design, building and operation of azimuthing pods and podded-drive ships. The objective is to produce design and operation guidelines, and to support the development of pods with a full control of all consequences. The study is divided into Work Packages covering the complementary aspects, and the work is shared between partners in line with their facilities and know-how. The industrial aspects and the exploitation perspectives are the main priorities.
Funding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
44608 Saint-nazaire
France
Participants (13)
Sandefjord
21200 Raisio
22305 Hamburg
20555 Malmoe
681 29 Kristinehamn
80 958 Gdansk
44321 Nantes
400 22 Goeteborg
81 969 Gdynia
02044 Espoo
NE1 7RU Newcastle Upon Tyne
G1 1XM Glasgow
22101 Maiehamn