P&O Pioneer is the world’s first green vessel outfitted with two 75,00kw Azipods at each end, combined with the regulatory separated engine spaces, diesel electric generation, as well as battery storage and full electric propulsion. This unique combination allows the ships to operate at a speed of over 22 knots and a service speed of 20.8 knots. The large-capacity batteries outfitted allows the vessel a maximum storage capacity of 8.8 megawatts. Its capability to use the shore power and recharge batteries respectively at shore or underway provides consistent power supply and energy optimization.
The vessel boasts high level of automation. There are over 12,000 alarm points built into the various systems, and all controlled from one engine control room and two wheelhouses. The vessel can switch between one wheelhouse operation to the other with two simple change over switches (one on each wheelhouse); it can also instantly switch between diesel and batteries propulsion at the push of a single button.
Our (SMC) electrical and mechanical teams (plan approval experts as well as supervisors) had their work cut out for them since whilst the basics are well known, a lot of the design had never been used before and certainly not on this scale. It was a great sense of achievement for the suppliers, yard, class, owners and SMC when the sea trials were completed, and the test concluded satisfactory.