New Norderney ferry to have Voith Schneider Propellers

Frisia IV

AUGUST 28, 2014 — German ferry operator Norden-Frisia AG has again chosen Voith Schneider propulsion for a slightly longer sister to its double-ended ferry MS Frisia IV.

Under construction at shipbuilder Cassens Werft GmbH in Emden for delivery in September 2014, the newbuild will, like Frisia IV, have Voith Schneider Propellers.

Norden-Frisia AG has been serving the East Frisian island of Norderney for many decades. Navigation in these coastal waters poses special challenges: in some areas the waterway only leaves a few centimeters below the keel and the water contains a significant amount of swirled-up sand.

Voith Schneider Propellers are ideally suited for the specific operating conditions in shallow tidelands and have proven successful in the Frisia IV which has been serving the route between Norddeich and Norderney since 2002.

The new ferry will have a length of 74.3 meters and a beam of 13.4 meters.

With a draft of 1.75 meters is designed to carry 1,340 passengers and 60 cars. She will reach a speed of 8 knots in shallow water and 12 knots in deeper water.

Environmental compatibility for operation in the Wadden Sea National Park is ensured by the Blue Angel symbol for “eco-friendly vessel design” (RAL-UZ 141) and an exhaust gas aftertreatment system consisting of an SCR catalyst and particulate filter.

One VSP will be operated using biodegradable EG 2-150 oil. This field test is carried out in close cooperation between the shipping company, Voith and the oil manufacturer and highlights the consistent approach to increased eco-friendliness by using biodegradable fluids and lubricants. The field test will be used to validate the biodegradable oil prior to granting final approval for its use in VSPs.

The four type 16R5 EC/100-1 Voith Schneider Propellers used ensure excellent maneuvering and propulsion characteristics even in the very shallow Wadden Sea. As the water in this area is high in sediments, the VSPs are equipped with special ceramic-coated ring seals to prevent damage caused by suspended sediments.

The propulsion concept is diesel-electric. The VSPs are driven by speed-controlled electromotors. Voith is also supplying bow tooth couplings connecting the engine and VSP, eliminating the need for intermediate gearboxes and additional shafts. The drivetrain is therefore more compact and efficient and eliminates another source for noise.

On the Frisia IV, the VSPs have already proven to be the drivetrain component with the least noise emissions. This is of major importance as the lounge deck is located directly above the machinery spaces.

Voith is also supplying its newly developed electronic control system which permits combined operation. Blade pitch and output speed are now optimally matched in all operating situations. The resulting hydrodynamic efficiency pays off in terms of low fuel consumption and a minimization of emissions. Voith is also providing support with regard to the hull design at both vessel ends to reduce salt water spray onto the deck cargo.