ABB inaugurates Azipod C manufacturing base in China

ABB today inaugurated a new manufacturing base in Shanghai, China. Located in the Lingang New Development Zone, the 37,000 square meter facility will initially have an annual output of 60 Azipod C podded propulsion units.

The Azipod C is the smallest member of the Azipod line of azimuthing electric podded thrusters. Introduced in 2000, it is a compact size that covers the power range up to 4.5 MW. In China, Azipod C has been installed in a variety of vessels, including ferries between Yantai and Dalian, delivering 20-30 percent lower fuel consumption, and in China’s first independently designed 3000-ton comprehensive marine surveillance vessel.

While larger Azipods will continue to be delivered from Finland, the Shanghai plant is specifically dedicated to Azipod C manufacturing and “will play a key role in serving global customers in line with ABB’s business strategy in China,” according to Heikki Soljama, global head of ABB’s marine and cranes business unit,.

August 18, 2011