Be it with or without a car, people want to cross rivers, lakes and straits safely. If there are no bridges, then ferries are required. As floating bridges in an integrated traffic system, ferries are future-oriented, economical solutions.
Safety, profitability and environmental sustainability are key. Ferries equipped with the Voith Schneider Propellers are reliable and efficient, and do what their operators require of them. They steer the vessel with unrivaled precision and response, particularly important in strong currents, crosswinds, tidal streams and with variable water depths. These are conditions that the propulsion and steering system of a modern ferry must cope with quickly, precisely and safely. The Voith Linear Jet is also an excellent propulsion solution for ferries. Due to its design, the propulsion system is also distinguished characterized by robustness, low noise emissions and ease of maintenance.
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 have been optimized by the Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP).
VSP, VLJ und VIT: tailor-made propulsion solutions
Ferries and passenger ships with Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP)
Reduce docking and undocking times thanks to precise steerability – translating into more trips per day.
Provide a high degree of safety for passengers and cargo, even in heavy shipping traffic. A perfect example is the Turkish Bosporus, one of the world's busiest shipping routes, where ferries equipped with VSPs have been in use for many years.
Are environmentally friendly due to modern Voith technology. They operate with low noise emissions, minimal fuel consumption and therefore minimum exhaust emissions.
Require little maintenance due to their low-speed operation and robust design.
Single-ended ferries and passenger ships with Voith Linear Jet (VLJ)
Offer an excellent solution, especially for ferries, thanks to its consistently high efficiency and mixed-use profile ranging between slow and fast speeds.
Boast a propulsion system characterized by robustness, low noise emissions and ease of maintenance.
Ferries and passenger ships with Voith Inline Thruster (VIT)
Guarantee a comfortable stay and rest for passengers and crew due to extremely low noise and vibration emissions of the VIT.
Provide freedom for newly built and retrofit designs due to high compactness and efficiency of the unit with rim drive technology, without gearbox, shaft and external cooling.
Reference installations for double-ended ferries
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 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 Voith Schneider Propeller combines propulsion and steering of the vessel in one single system. This unique system provides extremely accurate propulsion and maneuvering, thereby ensuring maximum safety and efficient operation of your ferry.
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.
Two VSPs along the longitudinal axis of the vessel is the standard solution.Two VSPs in a diagonal arrangement is the solution for smaller ferries.
Double-ended ferries with three propellers
Double-ended ferries that 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 regarding resistance.
Three VSPs if there is one main direction of travel.
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.
Four VSPs if a high power output is required and/or limitations as to the draft apply.
Reference installations for single-ended ferries and passenger ships
Safety, comfort and highest efficiency: These are the goals for operating single-ended ferries. Regardless of the weather conditions or speed requirements, ferries are expected to run on schedule and remain in continuous operation. Voith Roll Stabilization (VRS) assures safety en route and at berthing and unberthing. Single-ended ferry operators can rely on this leading technology to deliver smooth, comfortable and safe passage – for both passengers and goods.
Viking Mississippi
River cruise vessel
L x B x D:
136.3 x 23.16 x 2.59 m
Engine/motor power:
3 x 1,100 kW
Propeller type:
3 x eVSP 21X6/175
Location:
US
Naviexpress
Hybrid ferry for Lake Geneva
L x B x D:
61.3 x 10.0 x 1.6 m
Engine/motor power:
2 x 920 kW (diesel),
2 x 225 kW (electric)
Propeller type:
2 x VLJ 1140, 2 x VIT 550-110,
2 x VIT 380-60TC
The outstanding maneuvering capabilities a VSP gives to a single-ended ferry provide the highest level of safety and availability for ferry connections in any region of the world. Operators and environment benefit from the highest efficiency among any steerable thrusters.
Additional customer value is delivered by the Voith Roll Stabilization (VRS) function, which guarantees an enjoyable ride for all passengers.
Two propellers are the standard choice for single-ended ferries. The two VSPs are installed in stern of the vessel.
Single-ended ferries with three propellers
In case of additionally required thrust, a single-ended ferry can also be equipped with three VSPs in stern. This can also be choice for low draft applications in shallow water.
Single-ended high-speed ferries, monohull, catamaran or trimaran operating with a maximum speed of 25 to 35 knots will benefit most from the highly efficient jet propulsion VLJ. Efficiency is still high also below 25 knots, which makes the VLJ the preferred choice for mixed profile routes.
The vessel can be equipped with one, two, three or even four linear jets
The efficient jet propulsion VLJ can be perfectly integrated in the hull, which guarantees an optimum inflow with a very low draft – perfect for shallow water areas.
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.
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!
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.
"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.
