The transmission system takes care of making one or both motors act on the propeller shaft.
[1][2][3][4][5][6] The CODLAD propulsion system is based on the use of electric motors directly connected to the axes (generally two) of the propellers.
The electric motors are powered by diesel generators and to have higher speeds, as happens in CODAD propulsion systems, the higher power diesel engine is inserted which is disconnected from the transmission system to return to cruising speed.
This system that uses diesel engines for both propulsion and for the production of electricity for on-board services significantly reduces costs, as the number of diesel engines for the various ship services decreases and the electric motors need less maintenance.
The CODLAD system has been adopted in the new Vulcano-class logistic support ship under construction for the Italian Navy.