Propulsion system technology is key to operate vessels effi ciently and with a high degree of safety. Matching the propulsion system to the vessel design is equally important. With more than 86 years of experience, Voith provides both: Propulsion systems tailored to the application in question and complete vessel concepts designed by Voith Engineering.
In addition to the proven Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP) with its stepless, precise and prompt generation of thrust in all directions, the Voith Radial Propeller (VRP) is part of the Voith propulsion system portfolio. One of the vessels the VRP is installed in is the Castoro Sei, a 152-meter work boat used for pipe-laying.
Voith Inline Thrusters (VIT) and Voith Inline Propulsors (VIP) are CFRP-based propellers used as propulsion systems or thrusters. They require neither axles nor shafts or gearing. The Voith Linear Jet combines the best properties of propellers with the best properties of waterjets. As is the case with VSP
and VIT/VIP, the Voith Linear Jet can for example be used on ferries and yachts. Voith Turbo Marine Engineering designs complete vessel concepts.

To safely position drilling vessels, semi-submersible platforms and special vessels for offshore applications against current, wind and wave forces, Voith restarted a project from the 1970s and developed the Voith Radial Propeller (VRP).
Maximum power and safety
The result is a new generation of thrusters for dynamic positioning. Special Voith 8° gearing permits the propeller axis to be tilted downwards, thus preventing any interaction between the thruster and the vessel hull. This leads to an increase in the effective propulsion force. Voith offers 360° VRPs which can be mounted under water and cover a power range from four to more than eight megawatts.
Six to eight of these pivotable thrusters enable a drilling platform to remain in position without the need to lay anchor. Oil can thus be extracted safely even in water depths of more than 3,000 meters. Four fully pivotable Voith Radial Propellers for example drive the

Minimum vibration and noise emissions, prompt steering response and effi cient thrust generation – these were the targets set by Voith for the development of a new propulsion system. The results are the Voith Inline Thruster (VIT) and Voith Inline Propulsor (VIP) rim drive systems. The VIT is the ideal transverse thruster for use in the bow or stern. It signifi cantly improves the vessel’s maneuvering. Together with a steerable nozzle, the Voith Inline Propulsor (VIP) is designed as a main propulsion system.
Prompt, effi cient, silent
VIT and VIP require neither axles nor shafts or gearing. The propeller blades made of carbon-fi ber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) are attached to a hollow shaft which houses the electric motor. The motor transfers a large torque without transmission losses. The unit is cooled by seawater, i.e. an additional cooling system is not required. Thanks to the seawater- ubricated radial and axial bearings, the motor is completely maintenance-free.
With an optional swing-out unit, the VIT and VIP can be extended from the vessel hull when needed and rotate through 360° in their end position. VIPs are used as propulsion systems for ferries and megayachts. VITs can either be used as auxiliary propulsion systems or transverse thrusters. On jack-up vessels for example, VITs complement the main propulsion system.

The Voith Linear Jet (VLJ) combines the best properties of propellers with those of waterjets. Low installation complexity, low sensitivity to marine fouling, sustained high effi ciency at low vessel speeds and high bollard pull are borrowed from the
propeller side.
Reduced vessel draft thanks to its integration into the hull, the ability to reach high speeds with high effi ciency and low noise and vibration levels are borrowed from the waterjet side.
A new propulsion standard
The nozzle specifi cally designed for the VLJ is a very stiff construction encasing the main rotor pressure fi elds. Combined with the vessel-specifi c optimization of the nozzle and rotor profi le, this results in a delay of the cavitation inception point as well as in minimal noise emissions. The VLJ is suitable for a wide range of applications: It achieves a high degree of effi ciency both at high speeds as well as when cruising at low speeds. This makes the VLJ ideally suited for high-speed catamarans, yachts, coast-guard vessels and ferries.