As the maritime industry grows, its emissions production does as well. Today, the industry is responsible for 2.5% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, with the number expected to grow, as global trade rises. ABB believes electrification can provide a definite solution to this issue.
According to ABB, the next generation of ships will be electric, digital and connected. With electricity, ships will be more efficient and sustainable, while digitalization will increase their productivity and safety.
Currently, electric ships are 10% of the global fleet. This number must grow, in order to make the maritime industry more sustainable, Mikko Lepisto, S.V.P Digital Solutions, ABB Marine and Ports, believes.
The Azipod propulsion system has played an important role in this. This system combines the propeller that drives the ship, the electronic monitor driving the propeller, and the rudder which steers the vessel. Today, mostly cruise ships and ice going vessels are using Azipods, but Mirva Nevalainen, Head of Operations, ABB Marine and Ports, aspires that this system will be equipped to vessels around the world in the future.
