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.
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).
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.
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)?
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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!
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.
Long-term service contracts with four predefined levels enable a customized service level agreement
Always available: 24-hour service support line/troubleshooting and training measures
Everything from a single source: spare parts procurement, maintenance activities, start-up
Technical support
We offer the following services:
Our technical service helps you avoid potential damage and unexpected downtime of your vessels. Competent experts and engineers assist you in areas such as:
Analysis and reduction of vibrations and noises
Evaluation of oil analyses with corresponding suggestions and recommendations
Interpretation of operating parameters such as temperatures and pressures
Improvement of your vessel’s course stability
Assessment of the propeller condition and recommendations on further operation
Retrofit & modernization
We offer the following services:
Longer VSP service life due to optimized components
Use of state-of-the-art technology, even for older propellers
Less required maintenance
Improved energy efficiency and environmental compatibility
Reduction of fuel consumption by converting your equipment to the current Voith control system
Consulting & Training
We offer the following training courses:
VSP training (function, handling, minor servicing/maintenance work)
Individual customer training, also on the customer’s own propellers if desired, e.g., covering the following topics:
- Maintenance and monitoring of the propellers for reliable operation (machinists)
- Condition assessment of the propellers for specific maintenance planning (inspectors)
- Configuration and function of the propellers to correctly identify the required spare parts (procurers)
- Safe handling of the Voith products
- Error prevention
- Qualifying your personnel to perform simple maintenance steps
MRO & Field Service
We offer the following services:
Maintenance, repair and service onsite or at Voith
Global service network in the local language
Professional and reliable maintenance/repair by experienced, top-qualified and highly trained Voith service specialists with unique product expertise
Inexpensive, condition-based overhauls through quick and reliable decisions by our on-site experts
Corrective maintenance, for example in case of damage or component failure
Preventive maintenance on four maintenance levels:
- Condition check (Health Check)
- Change of blade shaft seals
- Change of main seals
- Main overhaul
Predefined, short reaction times
Warranty update after installation of spare parts
Preserving the value of your VSP through qualified Voith service and tested, certified original spare parts
Spare parts and units
We offer the following services:
Exclusive use of certified and tested original Voith spare parts with a warranty on the components and work performed
Fast availability of spare parts due to our customizable storage concept at the customer’s site or our warehouse
Spare parts for scheduled overhauls generally available from stock: high planning reliability, resulting in higher availability of the vessels
Digitale Services
We offer the following services:
Professional troubleshooting, e.g., via remote access to operating parameters, oil analyses or on-site assessments
24-hour service support line
Monitoring of all critical propulsion parameters on board
Minimization of downtimes due to timely problem detection
Detailed Health Check reports with specific recommendations for action
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
