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.
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).
All benefits at a glance
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 (eVSP)
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.
learn moreExplore the electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP) in 3D and Augmented Reality. Scan the QR-Code to experience the eVSP on your phone.
Explore nowEngineered for success
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 moreThe 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.
LEARN MOREAutonomous 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 (AKOON). It is intended to lay the foundations for full automation in inland navigation.
Learn moreiVSP: 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 (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.
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!
iVSP (3D) for mobile devices
Ensuring continuous and safe production, we offer components for the entire conveyor system that reduce downtime and have an excellent track record. Furthermore, our spare parts ensure continuous operation.
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.
"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.
Voith Service for Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP)
- 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
- Long-term partnership and planning security are guaranteed due to longstanding corporate stability