Wind farm installation vessel to have Voith Inline Thruster

An offshore wind farm jack-up vessel under construction in China for A2SEA of Denmark will have a Voith Inline Thruster, along with three Voith Schneider Propellers.

With an inner propeller diameter of 2,300 mm, the Voith Inline Thruster (VIT) is currently is the most powerful Inline thruster on the market. Voith currently is the only manufacturer world-wide to produce thrusters with a power of 1,500 kW based on permanent magnet synchronous machine technology (RIM drives).

The principle of a thruster with a permanently excited electric motor housed in the hollow shaft and no maintenance requirements owing to sea water-lubricated bearings has proven its worth. Since the start of series production in 2008, Voith has sold more than 55 units, most of which are already in service.

Voith Inline Thrusters and Voith Inline Propulsors (VIP) are so-called RIM drives. This drive technology combines electrical, mechanical and hydrodynamic elements to obtain low vibrations, extreme smoothness of running and compact dimensions. The VIP line includes Swing-Out Azimuth stern thrusters.

November 17, 2011