Voith has received an order for a number of bow thrusters and retractable stern thrusters from Koninklijke De Vries, a division of Feadship. The bow and stern thrusters are for various new buildings which are being built at their yards in Aalsmeer and Makkum. Koninklijke De Vries has ordered a total of 12 thrusters.
The bow thrusters are Voith Inline Thrusters with a power between 200 kW and 300 kW each. The retractable stern thrusters are Voith Inline Propulsors. These Swing Out Azimuthing units are used when manoeuvring in harbours and during DP (Dynamic Positioning) in combination with the Voith Inline Thruster as bow thruster.
The Voith Inline Thruster and the Voith Inline Propulsor are RIM driven thrusters. The important advantage of this type of thruster is that it has exceptionally low vibration and noise levels. This is particularly important for yachts and offshore boats during DP. The units are also very compact and efficient. The Voith Inline Thruster and the Voith Inline Propulsor are a very environmentally-friendly choice. Since no oil or grease is required for lubrication, these substances can also not spill into the environment.
Voith has more than 55 units of Voith Inline Thrusters and Voith Inline Propulsors contracted. Most of these are already in service and function to the full satisfaction of the customers, either private yachting or commercial applications like offshore vessels.
Voith Turbo, the specialist for hydrodynamic drive, coupling and braking systems for road, rail and industrial applications, as well as for ship propulsion systems, is a Group Division of Voith GmbH.
Voith sets standards in the markets energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transportation & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith employs almost
40 000 people, generates €5.2 billion in sales, operates in about 50 countries around the world and is today one of the biggest family-owned companies in Europe.
[mappress] Source: Voith Turbo, October 25, 2011.