2025-03-18
Ground-breaking pilot project: Development and supply of two new VWTs with dual-fuel drive
- For the first time, Voith Water Tractors (VWTs) can also be powered by LNG or diesel
- The tug, which is fitted with the new Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP) type 32X6/265, will be controlled by the innovative Voith Electronic Control System (ECS)
- Training experts from Voith are conducting additional technical and nautical training programs on board
The customer and initiator of this extremely ambitious pilot project is Botaş Petroleum Pipeline Corporation, one of the largest energy companies in Turkey working mainly in the fields of oil and natural gas transport and gas trading. “At the customer’s request, the two new VWTs for the port terminals at Ceyhan/Adana and İskenderun are to be powered in an especially sustainable, low-emission and environmentally friendly way. Preferably with LNG and diesel, as Botaş has access to sufficient quantities of both fuels at these locations,” says Gökhan Terlemez, Sales Manager NB & AMB Turkey/Middle East at Voith.
Botaş has been a loyal Voith customer for many years and already operates several VWTs. “We are immensely proud that for the upgrading of its tug fleet Botaş is relying on Voith’s advanced technologies and innovative products. It’s a partnership that has existed for many years,” says Terlemez. Incidentally, the same applies to the other project partners: The two new VWTs type TRAktor V3900-DF with dual-fuel drive are based on the design of renowned Canadian naval architecture and marine engineering firm Robert Allan Ltd. and were built by Uzmar Shipbuilding, one of the world’s leading tugboat builders, at its shipyard in Kocaeli.
“Thanks to the close technical collaboration between Robert Allan Ltd., the shipyard Uzmar, the client Botaş and the Voith team, the challenges resulting from the new kind of dual fuel technology with LNG and diesel could be successfully managed collectively – from the development stage through to the classification process,” says Patrick Denning, Sales Application Manager at Voith.
For the required maximum safety and reliability in day-to-day operation, the vessels are fitted with two Voith Schneider Propellers type VSP 32X6/265, which are also a new development. They ensure that despite their 39-meter length, the two new VWTs are as maneuverable and powerful as ever. With a power output of 6,000 kW, each vessel offers the characteristic exceptional escort capabilities – including a maximum speed of up to 12.5 knots and a bollard pull of more than 80 metric tons.
Another advantage: The impressive overall package is perfectly complemented by the innovative Voith Electronic Control System for first-class electronic control. To ensure that this system can be effectively used by the Botaş captains in practice, they will receive extra technical and nautical training on board. “In each case personally supervised and officially certified by our experienced training specialists. We have therefore really left nothing to be desired and are offering our customers an all-inclusive package that ticks all the boxes,” says Denning.
About the company
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 22,000 employees, sales of € 5.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.
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The Group Division Voith Turbo is part of the Voith Group and a specialist for intelligent drive technology, systems as well as tailor-made services. With its innovative and smart products, Voith offers highest efficiency and reliability. Customers from highly diverse industries such as oil and gas, energy, mining and mechanical engineering, ship technology, rail and commercial vehicles rely on the advanced technologies and digital applications of Voith.
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