Eurodam Gets Props

Pieter Rijkaart, Holland America Line’s director of newbuilds, just provided this image of Eurodam’s recently installed Azipods.

Although not a new system, they represent the latest design in Azipod propulsion. First used on icebreakers working in the Arctic Sea, Azipods are best described as giant, moveable outboard motors that are attached to the hull and can rotate 360 degrees. The pods replace the old-fashioned drive shaft and propellers with electric motors that conserve fuel while cruising and enable more precise maneuvering of the vessel when in port.