But these days, things have to move faster in this 10,000-year-old industry. Regulatory changes, market forces and sustainability concerns are spurring innovation that’s transforming the industry—and producing significant returns for shippers that can get in front of the change.Pound for pound, water transport is by far the most environmentally friendly way to move goods. But with the maritime industry’s vast scale, its environmental footprint remains substantial.
Among the most significant innovations in electric propulsion systems is ABB’s Azipod® system, which incorporates an electric motor into a submerged pod that hangs outside the ship hull. The gear-less, steerable units can rotate 360 degrees, making ships more maneuverable. Azipods cut fuel consumption by up to 20% compared with traditional shaft-line propulsion systems.
There, advanced analytics let shoreside and shipboard personnel more effectively manage ship functions—and optimize maintenance intervals while preventing expensive mid-sea failures. Twenty-four-hour remote support for ships anywhere in the world has become standard for the almost 1,000 vessels that connect to ABB’s Collaborative Operations Centers, where an engineer is always available.
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