ZF Marine to Premier New POD 4600 Propulsion System

Marine driveline specialist ZF brings large POD propulsion to vessels measuring up to 130 feet
Optimized design leads to better performance with lower fuel consumption
North American launch follows European debut aboard an Azimut Grande 26M yacht

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George Lewis has been in the marine industry for over 15 years and joined ZF in 2022 as Senior Manager Commercial Fast Craft Product Line. He is responsible for sales, marketing and service in North and Central America.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla., USA. During this week’s Fort Lauderdale Boat Show (FLIBS), ZF Marine will premier its new POD 4600 Propulsion System for large vessels for the first time in North American markets. ZF Marine will showcase this technology, as well as its next-generation TotalCommand control system, in FLIBS Booth #1078 from October 26 – 30, 2022.

After successfully establishing its inboard and outboard propulsion technology for all ranges of boats and yachts in the boating market, marine driveline specialist ZF is now bringing unrivaled performance and efficiency to large recreational and commercial vessels throughout North America. The POD 4600 Propulsion system provides speed and unmatched maneuverability to vessels measuring from 80 up to 130 feet. It first set sail in the Grande 26M motor yacht by Azimut last fall, but has been unavailable outside of European markets until now.

Combining engineering expertise with decades-long market experience, ZF continues its track record in high-performing marine driveline solutions with the POD 4600 Propulsion system. Designed for vessels with planing and semi-displacement hulls measuring up to 130 feet and compatible with all main OEM engines up to 1,700 hp at a maximum of 2,450 rpm, the new drive technology is suitable for a wide range of recreational and commercial applications.

“We know that shipbuilders around the world count on ZF to bring power, performance, and reliability to an expanding variety of vessels. And that’s exactly what we accomplished with the POD 4600 Propulsion system for larger craft.”

Federico Decio, Managing Director of ZF in Padua and Head of the Pleasure Craft Product Line

Progress in propulsion

The POD 4600 Propulsion system can be configured in a twin unit installation (for vessels measuring 80 to 100 feet) and triple unit layout (for ships measuring up to 130 feet), depending on the application. For recreational vessels, this includes both planing and semi-displacement yachts; commercial applications include pilot boats, supply vessels, small ferries as well as patrol and rescue boats.

ZF's POD 4600 propulsion system

Twice the power at lower fuel consumption

To achieve these goals, ZF relied on its strengths in innovation and know-how in state-of-the-art engineering. The POD 4600 possess an optimized hydrodynamic shape which significantly reduces the drag of the submerged parts. This supports contra-rotating propellers and improves the overall horizontal thrust of the propulsion system.

Inside the POD 4600, ZF has leveraged its automotive and off-highway experience with newly designed gearing. Its 2.434:1 gear reduction allows for larger propellers (up to 38.5” diameter), boosting efficiency even further. Compared to other pod systems on the market, the POD 4600 System is up to twice as powerful while still consuming up to 15 percent less fuel than a traditional shaftline propulsion system. On larger vessels, the POD 4600 system allows designers to reduce the number of POD units typically required to reach the desired speed. This reduces the complexity of on-board systems and reduces the vessel’s drag, further improving propulsion efficiency. All in all, the streamlined design and contra-rotating propellers of the system are optimized for maximum speeds between 20 and 32 knots.

Up to

15 percent

less fuel than a traditional shaftline propulsion system.

More space and comfort

Besides better performance and precise maneuverability, the POD 4600 Propulsion System gives ship builders more freedom during the design phase. The engines can be mounted further aft, reducing the engine room length, and thus increasing available space for accommodations on recreational vessels and providing larger working areas on commercial vessels. Compared to conventional shaftline systems, the POD 4600’s mounting solution with large rubber seals reduces structural vibrations and consequently, structural noise. The engine can also be installed on softer elastic mounts since it does not have to absorb the propeller thrust.

The system comes with an integrated exhaust and clutch which eliminates the need for an additional gearbox. ZF also supplies integrated hydraulic steering and state-of-the-art TotalCommand controls which includes the dynamic positioning feature iAnchor. Furthermore, the PODs are hybrid-ready – a highly desired feature in times of more stringent emission regulations in ports and other waterways.

Inside the POD 4600, ZF has leveraged its automotive and off-highway experience with newly designed gearing. Its 2.434:1 gear reduction allows for larger propellers (up to 38.5” diameter), boosting efficiency even further. Compared to other pod systems on the market, the POD 4600 System is up to twice as powerful while still consuming up to 15 percent less fuel than a traditional shaftline propulsion system. On larger vessels, the POD 4600 system allows designers to reduce the number of POD units typically required to reach the desired speed. This reduces the complexity of onboard systems and reduces the vessel’s drag, further improving propulsion efficiency. All in all, the streamlined design and contra-rotating propellers of the system are optimized for maximum speeds between 20 and 32 knots.

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Also on display: TotalCommand Control System

TotalCommand System

ZF Marine will also showcase its TotalCommand control system which debuted last year at FLIBS. TotalCommand is ZF’s next-generation propulsion control platform that includes advanced functionalities to complement ZF’s industry-leading transmission technology. TotalCommand intelligence enables adaptive gear engagement and near-instant clutch responsiveness through optimized proportional control valves.

TotalCommand also provides telematics data (temperature, pressure, and output speed) via embedded sensors in ZF transmissions, so the captain has complete visibility to the health and function of the entire propulsion system. ZF TotalCommand provides both recreational and commercial vessels unprecedented control and precision with smooth shifting and seamless transitions between operating modes.

TotalCommand delivers unrivaled vessel control. Click here for full details.

ZF Marine to Premier New POD 4600 Propulsion System

Progress in propulsion

Twice the power at lower fuel consumption

More space and comfort

Also on display: TotalCommand Control System

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