Damen and AAAPropulsion join forces to 'boost' electric pod propulsion efficiency

The Netherlands-based shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group has entered into an agreement with compatriot electric propulsion systems manufacturer AAAPropulsion to apply the latter company’s propulsion solution on the former’s electric tugs.

As disclosed, the two partners have teamed up to see how AAAPropulsion’s system called A-Pod can be integrated onto Damen’s electric tugboats with the overarching aim of improving efficiency.

Per AAAPropulsion, the A-Pod solution is a 360°azimuthing thruster system with an integrated electric motor that is meant for installation in the lower POD housing and cooled by the outer water.

The system, according to Damen, has the potential to minimize drag, which can improve efficiency, and to ‘enhance’ a vessel’s stability due to its lower center of gravity.

As informed, after the installation of the A-Pod into Damen’s electric tugs as well as workboats, the Dutch vessel construction major said that the ensuing goal would be to expand the application of this system to other market segments.

As a growing part of its transition to engineering and building environmentally friendly maritime solutions, Damen Shipyards Group has specialized in electric vessels, including tugs, ferries