Rush hour frenzy: In the morning, people rush to work, in the evening they hurry home. If water must be crossed, ferries are often used as floating bridges. Where time is of the essence, double-ended ferries are at an advantage. They have neither bow nor stern. Instead, the vessel ends are symmetrical. Only the captain must turn through 180 degrees in his control stand if he is to return from B to A after just having come from A to B. A system with a clear advantage.

The ferries do not have to turn in port; cars can leave the deck in the same direction as they drove on. An obvious way to save time on the entire maneuver.

The options are:

1. Two VSPs along the longitudinal axis of the vessel; this is the standard solution.
2. Four VSPs if a high power output is required and/or limitations as to the draft apply.
3. Three VSPs if there is one main direction of travel.
4. Two VSPs in a diagonal arrangement; this is the solution for smaller ferries.

Double-Ended Ferries with Two Propellers

Two propellers are the standard choice for double-ended ferries. If the vessel is big enough, one propeller is installed midships at each end of the vessel. In cases where the vessel dimensions are subject to restrictions or where the waterway conditions are unfavorable, the propellers can also be installed diagonally at the vessel ends. This arrangement is used on smaller, short ferries only.

Double-Ended Ferries with Three Propellers

Double-ended ferries which cover longer distances with difficult waterway or port conditions are built with one main sailing direction. The vessel ends therefore are not symmetrical. Such ferries are equipped with two propellers at the stern and one at the bow. From a hydrodynamic point of view, these vessels are optimized with regard to resistance.

Double-Ended Ferries with Four Propellers

Double-ended ferries which require a high output power or are used in shallow waters are equipped with four propellers. The advantages being a lower draft as well as full maneuverability even in the event of a propeller failing. Requirements for optimum propulsion system redundancy are also fulfilled.

At present, more than 420 VSP-driven double-ended ferries world-wide transport passengers and cars across the water. These include the world's biggest and most powerful ferries.