The development of systems suited to higher speeds or greater power concentrations than hitherto, plus recent years' introduction of pods designed specifically for unit powers below 5MW, have extended the market reach of pod technology, as have various innovative solutions for hybrid systems combining electric podded propulsors with conventional, mechanically-driven propellers. The sector's offering to shipyards, shipowners and designers is set to be expanded by rim-driven, permanent magnet pods. The fact that much of the new technical work under way involves companies linked with groups which have a wider interest in delivering complete or integrated shipboard powering and propulsion systems bodes well for future market penetration by podded drives. In addition, a series of pan-industry, collaborative research projects, backed by the EU, and embracing the behaviour of plant already at sea as well as further technological advance, can be expected to benefit future product design and quality.
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