Home > Industries > Marine > Ship Power > Main Drive System
ABB's marine main propulsion system is based on a "diesel-electric propulsion" architecture. Its core concept is that a diesel generator produces electricity, which is then distributed to a variable frequency drive (VFD) via a power distribution system. The VFD ultimately controls the propulsion motor to drive the propeller.
Core System Components:
Power Generation & Distribution: Generator and Power Management System (PMS).
Propulsion System: Propulsion VFD, which utilizes ABB ACS 8000 series medium-pressure water-cooled VFD drives. The propulsion motor is a high-efficiency, compact design from ABB, perfectly matched to the VFDs. Podded propulsion (Azipod®) is ABB's flagship technology.
Control System: Integrated joysticks on the bridge allow the operator to precisely control the vessel's speed, course, and position through simple push-pull and rotation operations.
Digitalization and Intelligence (ABB Ability™): This provides data-driven remote support services for ship owners and operators. It can monitor the performance, fuel consumption, and emissions data of shipboard equipment in real time, predict faults, optimize performance, conduct remote diagnostics, and help achieve safer, more efficient fleet operations.
