Due to its construction, the Voith Inline Thruster (VIT) requires neither a drive shaft nor a transmission. This leads to a direct transfer of the input power, which increases thrust effect and hence efficiency. Depending on the application, either patented slide bearings lubricated with seawater or oil lubricated roller bearings provide a compact design. The blade ends that face inward increase the smooth running and reduce vibrations for passenger comfort.

Owners and crews of luxurious yachts, offshore support vessels and cruise ships also appreciate the maneuvering and propulsion system because of its short response times to steering commands that make precise dynamic positioning easier at all times.

In addition to the application as a transverse thruster, Voith also offers the system as the Voith Inline Propulsor (VIP), a swing-out system that can pivot 360 degrees. It combines the advantages of the VIT with those of an azimuthing steerable propulsion system and can be used, for example, as a maneuvering aid for dynamic positioning or as an auxiliary propulsion system.

Thanks to their compact design and simple installation, it is easy to retrofit both the VIT and the VIP.