Had better you dont make BS information about azipod (this is azimuth) drivers for ships, even US was considering to apply azimuth thruster for Zumwalt class to utilize contra rotating system , and it stayed in concept phase. Beside that it is quite reliable system and for a ship with a dock on aft, you cant locate conventional propellers, also there is no enough space and volume to locate engines with an inclination. With Azimuth drive , it lets engines to be layed horizontally in any configuration and delivering it to pods by cables, much more reliable than any other.
The only disadvantage is, its not efficient in high speed regimes, and expensive.
Well at first, had better you learn its either called POD, or AZIMUTH , while azipod is a registered commercial system by ABB.
Much simpler rudder system (propeller itself) , space/volume saving, easier installation, less complicated .
If we consider years ago, it wasnt a need and as you said, the money from LHD could be spent in frigate and so on, lets make it clear the limited resource isnt money but its human resourse and knowledge. If we take a look on Greek coast, Turkey is rather locked on Aegean coast, a LHD would be game changer when its sent back side of greece, where they really trust . Additionally, even LPD would cost a lot, just costed a little more
PS: Didnt hear anything such from Fincantieri as well, how come you appear with made up stories ? Gradually, even combatants are moving toward non-mechanical transmissions. The problems emerging in Azimuths are usually regard to installation, and high power demans in initiation, needs some critical systems to be shut down in starting.
