Precise maneuvering and safe operation of tugs form one decisive factor for the efficient transfer of materials in the world's harbors. Tugs with propulsion systems from Voith make certain of this around the clock.
Space is at a premium in most large harbors: ships that are getting bigger and bigger must transfer more and more goods in increasingly short times. For this to happen quickly and smoothly, tugs must perform their tasks efficiently and reliably around the clock.
For such tasks where compact, maneuverable ships that can be steered with precision are needed, the Voith Water Tractor (VWT) is the perfect solution. At its core is the Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP). From full speed ahead to full speed astern in three seconds – no other ship propulsion system can do this so quickly. And no other system can match its enormous power while escorting. For this reason, the VWT is valued in many large harbors as an agile maritime worker bee. VWTs also transport pilots to ships and are used as salvage vessels or fire boats.
VSP technology is also used in the RAVE tug where two of the propulsion systems are located in the keel. This makes the RAVE particularly agile. An enhancement of this is the Carrousel RAVE Tug (CRT), characterized by a towing winch on a ring that can rotate freely around the deck house. This design principle reduces the fuel area and eliminates the risk of capsizing while towing.
A true classic
The classic Voith Water Tractor design can be used with only a few modifications for escort duties as well. Ship owners all over the world have put this into practice successfully. The following pictures show a selection of a few examples.
Innovative solution
The "Skeg First Design" was developed specifically for escort duties in close cooperation with our clients.
This included steering modifications such as the split control stand for longer escort distances. A typical example of a “Skeg First” Voith Water Tractor for escort duties is the “Boris”.
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.
