Voith Schneider Propeller VSP

Voith Schneider Propeller VSP

The intelligent propulsion system for safe shipping

The Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP) combines propulsion and steering in one unit. This unique vessel propulsion solution was developed 90 years ago by Austrian engineer Ernst Schneider. Today, Voith Schneider Propellers are in use all over the world wherever precise, safe and efficient maneuvering is of the essence.

eVSP: Environmentally friendly and resource-saving with minimal noise
With the new electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP), we are making an important step towards the electrification of the drive train in marine applications to facilitate an more eco-friendly shipping.

rcVSP: Safe and economical ship assistance through digitalization
The abbreviation “rcVSP” stands for “remote-controlled Voith Schneider Propeller,” a technology with which ship assistance and tugboat maneuvers can be carried out remotely. The goal is to make the work of the tugboats safer and more efficient.

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Full thrust, full safety.

Full thrust, full safety.

A new generation of ferries was launched in 2021 for the iconic route between Manhattan and Staten Island. The reliability and safety of the propulsion and control systems has been optimized by the Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP).

More Information about the New York Staten Island Ferry

All benefits at a glance

    Voith Turbo Voith Schneider Propeller
     Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants EAL
     
    Highly reliability and low maintenance requirements
    Fast response time

     

    Maximum safety for vessel, passengers and the environment with VSP principle
    Low fuel consumption
    Safe and precise maneuvering
    Voith Turbo Voith Schneider Propeller
     

    Wide range of applications

      Voith provides propulsion systems tailored to a wide range of applications

      The VSP principle

        The VSP principle is strikingly simple and fascinating at the same time

        With the VSP, magnitude and direction of thrust can be set steplessly and as necessary. A circular disk with movable and controllable blades installed at a 90 degree angle to the disk rotates at the vessel bottom.

        The magnitude of thrust is determined by the rotational speed of the disk; the blade angle determines the direction of thrust. VSP is a perfect propulsion system for precise maneuvering, even under adverse conditions.

        Discover the new electric Voith Schneider Propeller

          Setting a new course

          The electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP) combines all advantages of the VSP with the electric motor of the Voith Inline Thruster. The result is a reliable, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and compact drive unit that is optimized for offshore and ferry applications as well as for use in tugs. Like the conventional VSP, the eVSP achieves maximum thrust in all directions – infinitely variable and with maximum precision.

          The powerful, directly integrated electric motor (PM motor) delivers high torque and fast response, without any gears. It thus ensures a more direct and almost loss-free conversion of the electrical drive power into thrust and keeps noise-emissions to a minimum. Due to its low maintenance requirements, follow-up costs for the robust electric propeller are dramatically reduced.

          EVSP QR-Code
          Explore the eVSP in 3D and augmented reality
          electric Voith Schneider Propeller
          Dr. Dirk Jürgens (Vice President Research & Development, Voith Turbo Marine)
          With the electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP), we are making an important step towards the electrification of the drive train in marine applications to facilitate eco-friendly shipping and transportation.
          Dr. Dirk Jürgens (Vice President Research & Development, Voith Turbo Marine)

          Would you like to learn more about the electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP)?

          Engineered for success

            OnCare.Health Marine: Reduce maintenance costs and minimize downtimes
            OnCare.Health Marine: reduce maintenance costs and minimize downtimes

            Our system protects your hardware. How? By continuous monitoring and timely alerts. With a Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP), you are always in a position to react quickly to challenging situations and unforeseen external influences. OnCare.Health Marine is the perfect complement to this propulsion system and allows you to respond equally as quickly to the slightest irregularities in and on the VSP.

            Learn more
            BRIDGE Voith Propulsion Systems<BR>
            The BRIDGE: your success in the offshore market

            The open sea – both a valuable source of energy and an unpredictable force. A force that can only be mastered safely and efficiently with the best technology. A force that requires a connecting BRIDGE – with the innovative drive systems from Voith.

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            Research project for full automation in inland navigation
            Research project: full automation in inland navigation

            Autonomous systems are an important topic of the future in the field of global mobility. The research project for full automation in inland navigation is a collaborative project undertaken by Voith, the Institute of Control Engineering at RWTH Aachen University and other partners. It is intended to lay the foundations for full automation in inland navigation.

            Learn more

            iVSP: controlling a virtual Voith Schneider Propeller

              With the help of the iVSP (Interactive Voith Schneider Propeller) program you can experience for yourself how a Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP) actually works.

              iVSP (2D - light version)
              Controlling a virtual Voith Schneider Propeller

              "I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I do and I understand." In full accordance with this quotation by Confucius, Voith Turbo Schneider Propulsion has developed the iVSP (Interactive Voith Schneider Propeller) program in English and German. With the help of this program you can experience for yourself how a Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP) actually works.

              Viewers can play captain by using their mouse to control an on-screen steering wheel and lever, or alternatively, an on-screen joystick. The virtual VSP reacts immediately and visibly to any change in rudder or driving pitch. Kinematic and hydrodynamic viewing options illustrate the actual VSP operation. The relevant forces are shown with arrows in different colors.

              The maneuvers performed by the ship are displayed in the upper right-hand part of the screen. A camera linked to the Voith Water Tractor (VWT) demonstrates its maneuvers from a bird's eye perspective. The compass in the right-hand corner indicates the sailing direction.

              Interactive VSP Program iVSP Download (1.01 MB)
              • New iVSP app
Become a captain of a VSP-driven ship

                New iVSP app Become a captain of a VSP-driven ship

                PDF
                English

              iVSP (3D) for mobile devices
              Ensuring continuous and safe production, we offer components for the entire conveyor system that reduces downtime and have an excellent track record. Furthermore, our spare parts ensure continuous operation.

              iVSP (3D) for windows
              We’ve completely redesigned the iVSP app and added features that make the Voith Schneider Propeller even more realistic in 3D.

              In Version 2.1, the standard ship is a double-ended ferry, which you control with virtual joysticks. The double-ended ferry has four propellers. You control the two fore propellers with the left joystick and the two aft propellers with the right joystick.

              Other new features include:

              • The user interface now has updated functionality that makes the iVSP app easier to use.
              • Steer like the captain of a VSP tug in the new Free Driving Mode. You can try out the maneuvers that are possible with this innovative drive.
              • Are you skilled enough to drive a VSP tug? Find out and master the course in Simulation Training.
              • Compare your results with friends and colleagues on the high score list.
              • Switch at any time from 3D into the views that show the motion or hydrodynamic forces. These show exactly what happens when you operate the VSP in real life.

              Download the latest version of the iVSP application and discover new features!

              INTERACTIVE VSP PROGRAMM IVSP 2.1 DOWNLOAD (85.65 MB)
              • New iVSP app
Become a captain of a VSP-driven ship

                New iVSP app Become a captain of a VSP-driven ship

                PDF
                English

              Voith Service for Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP)

                The Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP) is a combined propulsion and steering system. Thanks to its short response times to steering commands, it facilitates rapid, safe and precise maneuvering even in adverse conditions.

                The new electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP) combines these strengths with innovative, emission-free propulsion technology, thus contributing significantly to even more resource-conserving shipping.

                Our service strives to minimize downtimes and maximize the lifespan of your VSP. To this end, we implement a holistic service concept that takes all conceivable emergencies and failures into account. Our global service team is pleased to assist you with all your questions.

                Why use Voith Service?
                Why use Voith Service?

                • Everything from a single source: development, design, production – and service!
                • Decades of product experience as an original equipment manufacturer and service provider
                • Fast and smooth cooperation and best service thanks to a worldwide network of service locations
                • Guaranteed long-term partnership and planning security due to longstanding corporate stability

                To our entire service portfolio

                Publications

                  Brochure overview

                  • Marine products and services | Drive New Ways

                    Marine products and services | Drive New Ways

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                    English
                  • Precise and safe maneuvering | Voith Schneider Propeller

                    Precise and safe maneuvering | Voith Schneider Propeller

                    PDF
                    English
                  • Types and dimensions. Voith Schneider Propeller

                    Types and dimensions. Voith Schneider Propeller

                    PDF
                    English
                  • Electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP)
Sustainable mobility for maritime applications

                    Electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP) Sustainable mobility for maritime applications

                    PDF
                    English German
                  • Case Study North Sea Giant
Servicing the giant

                    Case Study North Sea Giant Servicing the giant

                    PDF
                    English German
                  • VDMA-Special German Marine Equipment | Electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP)

                    VDMA-Special German Marine Equipment | Electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP)

                    PDF
                    English
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