The 704 Research Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited unveiled its S-Pod series podded propulsor on Dec 1 in Shanghai, marking the first fully domestically produced version and ending prior reliance on imports.

The podded propulsor, a key electric propulsion for advanced vessels, integrates the motor and propeller within a pod beneath the hull, enabling 360-degree rotation for superior maneuverability.

A leading unit within the 704 Research Institute spearheaded the effort to localize podded propulsor production.

The team optimized the streamlined structure, changing it from an "L-shape" to a "T-shape", which resulted in a smaller turning radius for equivalent power levels. The change also reduced spatial demands on the hull and improved propulsion efficiency.

The new high-power T-type podded propulsor delivers 10 megawatts, equivalent to the traction power of eight Fuxing high-speed train units, and its technical specifications are on par with international standards.

Over 18 years, the institute developed the S-Pod series across a range from 400 kW to 10 MW, generating over 20 patents and drafting five national standards.

The institute's 2 MW podded propulsor has been successfully implemented on the Zhuhaiyun intelligent unmanned system mothership and the Tongji scientific research and teaching support vessel, demonstrating strong performance. Additional orders for polar research vessels signal promising market prospects.

Alongside the propulsor's release, the 704 Research Institute introduced the "Hunter Technology" brand logo. This move is intended to bolster the international communication, influence, and competitiveness of China's core technologies and equipment.

Source: Shanghai Observer