Voith Group continues its electrification drive

Germany’s Voith Group has released details of the electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP), the latest step in its drive to electrify its propulsion technologies. The eVSP offers a range of benefits including energy efficiency, reduced complexity, flexibility and space economy.

The eVSP uses a permanent-magnet synchronous motor fully integrated into the propeller as its main drive. There are no gears or transmissions, thereby saving space and assuring both the virtually loss-free conversion of electrical power and dynamic response characteristics. Moreover, the system offers flexibility in the choice of energy source and low maintenance requirements. 

Noting that the eVSP will be well-suited for vessels including tugs, ferries and offshore supply vessels, Dr Dirk Juergens, Voith’s vice president of Research and Development for Marine Applications said: “With the electric Voith Schneider Propeller, we are making an important contribution to the electrification of the driveline in marine applications and thus to even more resource-saving shipping.”