Safe working in wind and weather on offshore wind farms
For working on offshore wind farms, reliable propulsion systems that do their job under adverse conditions are an important requirement for ships. The ability to react quickly to the effects of wind and swells make the VSP and the VIT the ideal choice for such applications. This is because they reduce weather-related outage and waiting times and increase safety.
Precise maneuvering and holding position as well as possible under changing ambient conditions are absolutely necessary for safe work on offshore wind farms. With their quick and precise reaction to different wind, wave and current conditions, both the Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP) and the Voith Inline Thruster (VIT) make extremely good dynamic positioning (DP) possible.
This ensures that the safe transfer of personnel to the wind turbines is still possible, even under extremely adverse conditions. The active roll stabilization of the VSP supports the good response of the ship to swells and creates a stable working platform. In addition, the reduced roll motion of the ship increases on-board comfort and reduces the risk of seasickness.
The low noise level of the VIT increases on-board comfort and allows accommodation to be sited near the bow thruster room because costly sound insulation is not necessary. The VIT also needs considerably less installation space than alternative propulsion systems.
Around the world, the demand for electricity is growing – the greener, the better. In this context, offshore wind farms occupy a key position. The turbines are built by special wind turbine installation vessels like the Bold Tern operated by the Norwegian shipping company Fred. Olsen Windcarrier. To achieve the maximum precision required for this work during positioning, the vessel is equipped with three Voith Schneider Propellers – the most powerful the company has ever supplied.
Propeller type:
1 x VSP 28R5 ECS/211-2 with Voith Electronic Control System
Location:
Greece
BRIDGE – Voith propulsion system
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.
As a result of its immediate and very accurate reaction to weather-related disturbances the VSP needs considerably less energy during Dynamic Positioning (DP). Owing to their high efficiency, Voith propellers need significantly less fuel during transit and DP than comparable drives.
Ships with Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP) drives ensure improved onboard wellbeing, as the danger of seasickness is reduced by the Voith Roll Stabilization (VRS), and because the Voith Inline Thruster (VIT) ensures maximum comfort in terms of noise and vibration.
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 reduce 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!
Best DP Performance – Can be kept in the required position
Reduced Fuel Consumption – Less energy
Increased Comfort – Maximum comfort
Downtime Reduction – 15 more operating days
Great Productivity at All Conditions – 25% more transfers
Effective, Innovative and Successful Offshore Solutions – Over 40 ships operating successfully
