Episode 5: How I Sea It - Azipods

What propels a 306 meter, 130,818 gross ton mega cruise ship through the water? On all ship's in the Celebrity Cruises' fleet, it's the azipods, a.k.a. an electrically driven propulsor with an AC motor incorporated in a streamlined azimuthing pod unit which directly drives a fixed pitch propeller. Throw in a little bit about thrusters and a husband cameo, and I promise THAT is as technical as this will get! Check out how we use them in normal operation and emergencies, who maintains them, and why they're cooler than a Tesla!

[@Charles-re4vd]

Aww how nice of the engineer to " allow the Captain to tag along on her ship " ❤😂👁️👁️👍

[@RickyJr46]

This is very informative, Captain Kate! On U.S.S. Enterprise (CVN-65j, the four propeller shafts were of different lengths depending on the location of its steam turbine. The longest was #1 shaft, at approximately 700 feet. It ran through many occupied work spaces, and six-footers like myself had to duck to pass under it. This shaft was uncovered and spinning right above your head...but you got used to it. We did have cats aboard, too- Tomcats!

[@hint0122]

My question is why don't carriers use azipods?

[@seannielsen6587]

Another great video by you Capt Kate. Azipods are still kind of new and you did a great job explaining them. So cool the Engineering Staff let you film the inside of the pods. Thank you so much.

[@ianbeyer6278]

Relatively speaking... they’ve been used on cruise ships for about 15 years. A marvel of engineering in their own right! I didn’t realize you could go down inside them, that was really cool to see.

[@offshorebear]

Cal Maritime level of understanding. US merchant marine at its finest. Best tiktok school of the seas.

[@6950360]

these azipods are product of ABB Finland and are built in Helsinki and all the modern cruise ships and yachts are run by those, been working in ABB marines finland and everytime i see these beauties, they simply mesmerize me.

[@hollyhockNYC]

lol... BUG! It's just like me working with home when the cats interrupt. It's not my schedule that I work on typically. It's theirs! :D

[@kirk1618]

So, now we know.... Bug really runs the show!! LOL

[@boknowsx]

Captain Kate, thank you for these videos! It’s sad that I never knew about a female Captain, but it’s so refreshing to see you work! My niece always says she wants to drive ships, and now I can show her your KZbin channel! Much love & best wishes to you and your family ❤️

[@solosailingboatlife7203]

Would love to sit down for a pot or two of coffee with your chief engineer. I'm retired US Navy engineer. Keep up the good work

[@pamstrasser2506]

Thank you for your service! My 18 yr old daughter will be leaving for Navy boot camp within the next couple of months.

[@solosailingboatlife7203]

@@pamstrasser2506 tell her thanks for picking up the standard for the old guard. That said here is some sage advice for her . Follow directions and orders in boot amp but once in the fleet hit the deck plates running and don't look back .

[@EM_ARCHER]

Yes we have learned a lot about the AZIPODS of the ship! Thank you Captain! Def learned something new today!

[@nicolewangler8304]

MEOOOOW! Typical cat mom problem when you have a youtube channel. I can relate cuz I have a 6 month old kitten

[@Ken_Leivonen]

Hi Captain Kate, thanks for the explanation of the Azipods! I didn’t realize that they pulled, I always figured that the propeller was at the back and they pushed the ship. Cute out take with Bug! Ken

[@ianbeyer6278]

They are more efficient when they pull because there’s nothing in front of it (like a shaft) to make the water turbulent, which gives the screws more “bite”, and in turn more thrust. They’re amazing devices.

[@sue9175]

That I must say was pretty intertesting. Captain. Luved Bugs input as well. Hahahaha .😍

[@retrieveri]

I was working for ABB Finland in early 1990's. I was in a team designing and manufacturing the synchronous electrical motors for the first azipods. The first big ones were for arctic tankers and cruise ships.

[@andrescamachoa]

Great video Captain Kate! Can you make a video of how the emergency equipment works? (Watertight doors, fire procedures and emergency systems)

[@DanElgaard9]

Yeah, that would be cool...

[@spiegeje]

So interesting. Thanks for doing that. I’ve been fascinated by azipods since I saw the documentary about repairing the bearings for the azipods on Allure of the Seas using cofferdams in the Freeport drydock. Amazing scale and technology.

[@Goldenwoodz]

And also how powerful they are, I mean 22 THOUSAND horsepower each. Smaller azipods have 19K HP each like on Mariner of the Seas and that class. Just absolute underwater jet turbines with thick blades id love to see one in action at full throttle underwater but nobody can supply a cool video like that 🙄

[@vwdiver512]

Captain thank you for all you do! I love your content, its very educational and really fun to watch! I'm a big Royal Caribbean cruiser, but the time I sail on a Celebrity ship I want it to be under your command!

[@maximmakarov9167]

Hi from a small ASD tug. Azipods are can break a brain in first time of using. And many times after the first time too. )

[@evilhappybunny55]

bug is hysterical lmaooo Thank you for these videos, super cool to learn about how the ship works

[@jeffvandenberg8422]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@tammy_oh_nevermind]

That is so cool! Thanks for this one!

[@stephenvelencovaz4354]

This was helpful for me thank you captain 🙏

[@louiza9148]

Great video, very intersting!

[@MayurPM]

Big fan of Captain kate❤️👍🙏😊✌️💐

[@patsadventures6381]

Great job with your videos - very interesting and fun to watch. Keep it up!

[@bgreaud]

Love the Bug outtakes! 😻

[@DrEsq]

Outtakes are great!

[@paulhaas4299]

Great explanation! I am enjoying your channel. Keep up the interesting content.

[@BruceClifford]

Love your videos Kate.

[@Mason-db5kw]

Great video well organized keep the videos coming thanks captain

[@user-si8yw7et1w]

That’s amazing content! Waiting for the new episodes:) thanks 🙏

[@stevec9669]

Learned a new word “azipod” today, and many other things related to it. Most significantly, the chief engineer reports to the captain.

[@posavina07]

Good video, for learn about azipod

[@gohdundee]

Loved the outake.

[@StudioXFromFinland]

Ships have been fascinated since childhood!

[@sjb1157]

Another AWESOME video!!! Your analogies are PERFECT!!! So is Bug!!!

[@cruiseshipsecuritysekyongm4088]

Thank you for sharing information that's great captain Kate ,your amazing .

[@bengtsoderman]

Amazing to watch. And your new channel is already of high quality. Most people need some months to get up and running, but you are really of to a great start. Keep up the good work and good luck!!

[@toddblount8841]

Captain Kate... thank you so much for these videos. I love all this tech talk. I am hoping to book a trip on your ship when we can.

[@legomaster06_98]

what a great representation!!

[@keithsmith1642]

Great to "sea" this series. Cant wait till sailing begins again. Hope your nautical pen is still working well!

[@Rebekahlow]

You are a terrific teacher!! Wow!! Hats off to Engineers for their work in close quarters!!! The Chief's explanation of the azipods was great! Love from Vermont

[@Greatsingh55]

Nice captain 👍

[@shahidshaikh-bs7ss]

Beautiful captain Kate salute to you

[@EM_ARCHER]

Bug won’t let you be on camera 🐾🐾🐾😂😂😂😂😂😂🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@siwa.sparkle3701]

The Bug outtakes are the best!!!

[@carylkaplan6999]

Very interesting! The only thing better would be to experience these again while sailing on the ship with you!!!

[@BackFocus11]

This woman is amazing!!! Love your videos captain!

[@depressedtrashpanda4827]

Cant wait to book a cruise.

[@stephenvelencovaz4354]

This was helpful for me

[@abmon563]

I love your series! Could you make a video on the steps to take to become a ship captain?

[@sue9175]

Oh yes and also nice to sea the Chiefs input as well. He cracks me up like you do Captain

[@AbhilashKsupernovaabhi]

Nice info Capt I didn't know about periodic inspections on azipods😅 Thank You

[@Countryperson666]

Thank you for a great and informative video Captain Kate (please tell me I’m not the only one flashing back to Voyager). I’ve always been fascinated with how the Azipods work. I never realised you can actually climb down into the motor housing.

[@towhitby1]

Very informative video and great to see a Captain who has an interest in the engineering side too. Also good to see an Officer in good shape and setting an example. I noticed some fat ones on the bridge though...time to whip them into shape!

[@MegaCaptsparrow]

Please keep making such videos

[@bobcaddow3859]

Very cool thanks

[@princefernandes5789]

Best Explained 😁😎😎👏

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Looking very nice.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

That was cute for another little one on the ship with you...

[@davidgaylord7453]

Just found your channel and have to admit I binge watched your videos at my lunch break, or maybe a little more than lunch (don't tell my boss). Since you're on the topic of naval engineering, and as an engineer, I was curious about the design of the Edge. Specifically the rake of the prow which appears to be reversed from most ship designs as well as the lack of a wave breaker. Most ships I've seen, and boats for that matter, have a prow which is raked aft as you approach the waterline, even large cargo vessels are nearly vertical but still not raked forward as you approach the waterline as the Edge seems to be designed. Keep on keeping your crew and ship safe, and congratulations on your promotion to Captain, love seeing "outsiders" breaking the barriers of traditionally gender biased jobs!

[@Question_Marked]

Lmao “major props!” Hahaha amazing ! I’m hooked!

[@Killmonize]

This is always fun. I think you should do a video on ship agents )

[@Steve007124]

Glad I found your channel, lots of great information. We usually cruise on a competitor due to our status level, and let me say I have never seen such a good looking Captain on their ships! 😁

[@bibolton]

Great videos! And the right length too. Could we get a look at the Captain's cabin and it's proximity to the Bridge? I am as proud of you as your parents because I quit after getting my 100 ton inland waters and that was a hard study. The wife and I were on the Edge in February of 2019. Best of luck to you and crew.

[@stephenvelencovaz4354]

I forgot to like the video so I had to come back to drop a like on it😋

[@grondhero]

3:55 "...and I give big props - pun intended - to the engineers...." Okay, you like puns, I'm subscribing. ;) Just found your channel today and am watching all the videos. As a suggestion, if using a cell phone camera, _always_ have the phone horizontal. :) I have lots of questions, but I'll probably wait until a future video.

[@cremebrulee4759]

This is really interesting information. I had a little trouble hearing you over the music, though. The music was a little too loud. Thank you!

[@evomink]

Great video Capt. Kate!!! So do you have reverse or do you just turn the Azipods 180 degrees to go in reverse? And do you have a throttle on the ship or does the Azipod controller replace the throttle?

[@fmxstar101]

GORGEOUS

[@kwalker3465]

If we ever get the chance, I’m booking a cruise with Bug Naked. I think she might run that WHOLE ship. Captain McCue may be the head of the ship, but Bug is the neck. LOL. It’s just like at my house-I just moved off the couch onto the world’s most uncomfortable chair...because my Great Dane wants to sleep on the couch. LOL.

[@bennielouw833]

Captain Kate, What an amazing vessel the Celebrity Edge, I have been on a cruise ship with MSC before, as this is the only cruise Line operating of the South African Coast, Will it be possible to film the engine room onboard the Celebrity Edge?

[@trevor-heron]

can you show us what the crew area, your cabin, and your office space? I have any been to the Celebrity Summit but, those where my favorite vacations of all. It would also be cool if you could show us how you throw the lines across at port? Thanks!

[@firstfreonwarrior]

Love BUG!

[@bobkrause2521]

I saw in the previous video you mentioned a Staff Captain. Could you explain in an upcoming video what the Staff Captain is, and maybe some of the other officers?

[@deepwaterhappy3609]

Fantastic move to debut on You Tube! What are your goals for this platform? What do you hope to accomplish, and how can we help you? When cruising resumes; how will you keep up all three - TikTok, IG, YT? I can't believe you mastered TikTok so well! PS; does the horticulturist grow any.... catnip for Bug?

[@vikassisodiya9917]

You are awesome captain ..I'm from India and I have also dream to be a captain like u ... 🧡🧡🧡

[@semity]

Great video Captain! Personally I would let the Engineers go into the Azipod compartments only - not for me thank you! I think Bug adds character to your videos - never mind the take 1.2.3.or 4. I like the informality of Bug in the video.

[@TimCresswell]

Great new channel! :) Just pointing out that if your stopping distance is approximately a quarter mile, then that's 1386 feet, not meters.

[@onurkurbak384]

Hey it is looking great video for cruise lover. Are you going to do video about incineratör and sewega systems? Also is that possible the share manuels about azipod and electric system for who wonderimg stytems of cruise?

[@TheBeatlemanic]

Your cat Ben wants to drive too. Very Interesting info. Have a QUESTION: I can see (if correct) that you can spin the ship around on a dime without Bow Thrusters after a full stop. Can this be done?

[@karlo1199]

Want to say your reaction at 5:48, you look like Sandra Bullock? I do have a question about the azipods. I’ve seen some with variable pitch blades, and the ones installed are fixed. Is it fixed due to cost in terms of the units, or when going from full ahead to crash stop, the fixed azipods are least noticeable due to vibrations and noise? Another question I have is; when the azipods are either +/- 90 degrees off axis when going port or starboard. Does the computer automatically turn on the bow thrusters to help move the ship port or starboard? Seeing this video and the rest is a good brain exercise of mechanics and general technical operations.

[@fyoukungflu5881]

The Tesla Model S Dual Motor Performance is closer to 750 HP. Its the Model 3 that is about 500 HP. At sea school, we learned to do the TWIST on the engines......I guess the result is the same.

[@jahweh]

Apparently?! Such a subtle burn to the chief.. ahum 🤣🤣

[@francisj.connolly7788]

Captain McCue, now that we are in the middle of covid-19, where does Celebrity Cruise sail or does it stay docked?

[@j.v.5984]

Thank You

[@justinnav2804]

Admire！thx Captain.you are so cure and pretty!

[@Mehranwahid]

Awesome - thank you from an ex-Captain!

[@lz-c]

Haha Bug 😺 she wanted to start the video 👍👍

[@MikeyouLikey]

How long do you have to stay at sea? Is there other captains that take over at some point when you go home?

[@wendykoek6757]

Wow that was so interesting 🤔 how big the azipods are as well as the thrusters

[@benjamincooper9384]

Huge. Look at fins popping out the hub of azipods

[@wendykoek6757]

Benjamin Cooper they are big aren’t they

[@shawnalexander8009]

You should show the engines on the ship at some point Because I think people would be amazed on how big they are. The engines on the ship are actually so big. You could actually get inside of one not when it's running of course There are inspection ports on the side of the block where you can climb in the engine And the engines are started by air Starters And the reason why that is is because it takes a lot of power to start One of the engines And how I know all of this. Besides went to diesel mechanic school and my teacher know one of the people that worked for wartsila witch is a manufacturers that makes cruise ship engines

[@wyattdoran9611]

Your husband works on the new Virgin voyages ships ? That’s cool which one does he work on

[@solracromero666]

Hola!!! Podrias grabar una maniobra atraque o desatraque desde el puente de mando... Besos

[@sheepcute]

Incredible video! Learnt a lot, but just a small query. At 0:42, 1386m = 1/4 mile?

[@Somm_RJ]

Probably meant feet and mispoken.

[@haisamaga7661]

Hello Captain. I am very glad to see you.A very pretty Captain ❤️. Captian I will be very glad to work with your ship. I have worked before with Oceania Cruises. And now my Dream is to be a part of your ship and work with you.❤️

[@keithpachol6821]

I'm curious how fast does the azipod rotate around the directional axis when the control is turned ?

[@techwb]

Each azipod has a separate control, when would you want them operating independently vs as a team?

[@benjamincooper9384]

Use all azipods until ship hits a plane then reduce to just one maybe two. Use all 5 if in rough turbulent wet water.

[@jerrodmcnary]

The vo pod on cel edge is 21 mega watts which equals 28k hp. Otherwise great video.

[@andybrockbank3027]

Your husband works for the opposition! Was that Scarlet Lady or Valiant Lady he was trudging around beneath? I'm betting the latter.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

Aha! I asked in an earlier video what cruise line rhymes with "Surgeon" but thanks to your comment, I realized her hubby works for Virgin!!!! I was racking my brain for 2 days!!! LOL

[@nightcrep]

We need more BUG!!!!