135 Developed almost 100 years ago by Austrian engineer Ernst Schneider, the Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP) concept provides a unique propulsion solution. A circular disk with vertically installed movable and controllable blades rotates at the bottom of the vessel, allowing the strength and direction of propulsion to be set according to the rotational speed of the disk and angle of the blades. The VSP concept provides precise manoeuvrability under a range of sea conditions, allowing the solution to be used across the world for a variety of vessel types. In keeping with the drive towards eco-friendly shipping, the system’s manufacturer, Voith, has developed the electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP). The new solution integrates an electric motor into the propeller. This integrated approach reduces the space needed to install the propeller by decreasing the size of the drive system and eliminating the shaft train, which helps to deliver a total space and weight saving of between 10 and 30 per cent compared to the traditional VSP system. The eVSP also eliminates the need for gears in the propulsion drivelines, which are mostly necessary for speed reduction between the driving motor and propeller. According to Voith, their removal can therefore reduce the energy lost by the system and deliver higher efficiency. The system also uses permanent magnet technology, which allows the motor to maintain its efficiency across a wider range of speeds and power requirements, from lowload operations to extreme wind and weather conditions. Since the delivery of the first eVSP system in 2020, the system has, in addition to others, been ordered by several different ferry operators for both single- and double-ended ferries. For example, two eVSP26s will be used for the hybrid drives at the stern of Caledonian Maritime Assets’ new ferries, which will sail to the Scottish island of Islay from autumn 2024. Voith is continuing to build upon the eVSP concept with its latest iteration, an eight-bladed eVSP. The eight-bladed system is intended to allow vessels to operate more quietly than previous iterations, reducing underwater noise, which can cause damage to marine life and the environment. The eight-bladed eVSP will be showcased by Voith at SMM 2024, where the company will also discuss the demand for sustainable propulsion concepts and digitalisation across the shipping industry. REPORT Electric evolution The new eVSP concept from technology company Voith is intended to deliver a sustainable propulsion solution for the shipping industry
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