The Maintainer vessel concept also on display as a model is similarly effective. It has been developed by Voith together with NavConsult, a subsidiary of the SCHRAMM group.The service vessel will close the gap between the catamarans that are currently used and large offshore supply vessels for the installation and maintenance of wind turbines. The Maintainer concept boasts DP2 and permits safe access to the wind turbines in a weather window up to a significant wave height of 2.5 meters. The combination of two VSP and two VIT 850-200 bow thrusters ensures precise dynamic positioning within the wind farm.

Visitors to the SMM can take a closer look at an original VIT at the Voith booth. With its compact design, the VIT can be integrated in more slender hull shapes and can be placed more towards the front of the bow for increased lever arm. The system has very low noise emissions. Its noise levels are 23 dB(A) below those of conventional bow thrusters, making it possible to install a VIT in the immediate vicinity of the cabins.

In addition, Voith will present a size 10 VSP. The versatility of this propulsion system for offshore applications, tugs and ferries is demonstrated by various vessel models on display: the platform supply vessel Edda Fides, the new Walk-to-Work vessel owned by logistics provider Royal Wagenborg and the Voith Water Tractor Shinano.

Shinano is the first Voith Water Tractor with a fully electronic control system. The improvements resulting from this VSP control system can be experienced at the booth using the control system on display: The control stand level has been modified; bridge components such as joystick, wheel and propulsion control lever have been ergonomically designed. In addition to the optimized handling characteristics, the system offers a reduction in energy consumption achieved by direct triggering of the proportional valves and omission of a separate hydraulic unit. Now not only offshore supply vessels but also ferries are successfully being equipped with the electronic control system by Voith.

Voith Turbo, a Group Division of Voith GmbH, is a specialist for intelligent drive solutions and systems. Customers from diverse industries such as oil and gas, energy, mining and metal processing, mechanical engineering ship technology, rail and commercial vehicles rely on advanced technologies from Voith Turbo.  

Voith sets standards in the markets energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transportation & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith employs more than 43 000 people, generates €5.7 billion in sales, operates in about 50 countries around the world and is today one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe. www.rsa.voithturbo.com