On December 1, CSSC 704 Research Institute unveiled its independently developed and manufactured S-POD series marine pod propulsion system in Shanghai. This milestone signifies China’s successful breakthrough of international technological barriers in this field and achieves 100% domestic production of the equipment.
As one of the world’s most advanced new-generation marine electric propulsion devices, the pod propulsor serves as the “propulsion hub” of marine power and constitutes a critical piece of equipment for high-end vessels such as large cruise ships, scientific research vessels, and icebreakers. From the era when international brands dominated the market to today’s global competition on the same stage, CSSC 704 Research Institute has broken through the bottleneck with independent innovation. Tempered by 100% domestically developed and manufactured technology, it competes shoulder to shoulder with leading international counterparts, enabling Chinese-manufactured marine equipment to stride proudly onto the global stage.
This propulsion system employs a pod-style structural design, integrating the motor and propeller assembly within a single housing suspended beneath the hull. Capable of 360-degree full rotation to achieve vector thrust, it revolutionizes propulsion technology for vessels. Compared to conventional propulsion systems, it offers superior vessel maneuverability, enhanced operational efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and lower energy consumption.
After rigorous research and development, meticulous production and assembly, stringent performance testing, and classification society verification, China’s first domestically developed high-power T-pod propulsion system has been officially unveiled to the world.
With a power output of 10 megawatts (MW) — equivalent to the traction power of an 8-car Fuxing high-speed bullet train set — this pod propulsor matches the international advanced level in all technical performance indicators. It has broken the foreign monopoly, marking a landmark innovative achievement by China in the field of high-power pod propulsion technology and propelling China’s large-tonnage vessels into the era of independent podded propulsion.
The pod thrusters developed by CSSC 704 Research Institute range in power from 400 KW to 10 MW, establishing a comprehensive product portfolio and technical standards system for the S-POD series. The institute has filed over 20 patents and formulated five national standards and specifications, all with fully independent intellectual property rights, ending the era of complete reliance on imports.
It is reported that the 2-MW pod propulsion system developed by the institute has been deployed on the intelligent unmanned system mother vessel “Zhuhai Yun” and the scientific research and teaching support vessel “Tongji,” where it has demonstrated outstanding performance and received high praise. Recently, it has secured new orders for polar research vessels, indicating a highly promising market outlook.
Alongside the the launch of the pod propulsor, CSSC 704 Research Institute also unveiled the new brand identity of “Hengtuo Technology”. The launch of this new brand aims to further enhance the international communication power, influence, and competitiveness of the key core technologies and equipment of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). It is dedicated to building an international brand featuring green intelligence and extraordinary new-quality productive forces, thereby supporting the sustainable and high-quality development of China’s shipbuilding industry.