Voith optimises vessel propulsion system

German manufacturer Voith Turbo has optimised its vessel propulsion control system for Voith Schneider Propellers and Voith Radial Propellers, first displayed at the International Tug, Salvage & OSV Convention (ITS) in Barcelona at the end of May.

For the first time, this optimisation has been developed by Voith in-house, as a response to customer requests for a control and propulsion system from a single source. The comprehensive solution uses the uniform groundwork of Voith’s bridge components, with the development of joystick, steering wheel and propulsion control lever taking place at Germany’s Stuttgart University, with which Voith has already cooperated on projects such as its Radial Propeller.

As a result of the integrated development of propulsion and control system, Voith has now entered the market as a system supplier. Faster response times for customer-specific solutions is a key advantage of this, according to the company, as well as lower expenses incurred for interface adaptation and reduced costs for commissioning.


In order to monitor the propulsion units, the new control system records all data and faults, which can be monitored from the bridge and the machine or propeller room. Moreover, the new propulsion system’s new electronic control and assistance features (which can be tested on Voith’s vessel simulator) lower the fuel consumption of the propulsion units. Interfaces are also open to external systems, to ensure that use of existing components can continue. CAN bus, Modbus TC/IP, Modbus RTU, Profibus DP and NMEA are some of the interfaces through which communication is possible.

Practical implementation of Voith’s new controls system will take place in the last quarter of 2012 for a double-ended ferry, and in the first quarter of 2013 for an offshore supply vessel. Following which, in the second quarter of 2013, the system will be available as a series product, at which point the superyacht industry will be able to get involved. Kristian Wege, Head of Electrical Ship Remote Controls at Voith, informed Superyachtnews.com: “the electronic control system is applicable for superyachts together with Voith propulsors.”

Related Links

Voith Profile | Voith Website

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