Re: Azipods in reverse?
'I would think nearly all recently constructed vessels above (and possibly below) certain tonnage thresholds are designed with azimuth thrusters - providing flexibility and agility to what would otherwise seem rather ponderous indeed.'
I think the main disadvantage with azipods is that it increases the draught which may be a more important consideration for certain roles. The QE Class Carriers were originally designed with azipods but when it was realised that they'd have to be specially made as there weren't off the shelf ones powerful enough they went back to a more traditional drive train.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
