Sustainable propeller technology to take the spotlight at SMM 2024 

With stricter statutory regulations around the corner, the two issues are due to dominate the thinking of shipping companies and shipowners over the coming years. More sustainable propulsion concepts will be among them. 

German firm Voith Turbo will be showcasing the latest iteration of its first electric Voith Schneider propeller (eVSP) with eight blades at this year’s flagship event in Hamburg.

Propellers account for about 85% of a ship’s underwater radiated noise (URN). Abating URN is seen as key to solving marine noise pollution. The noise produced by ships tends to be below 2 kHz, which overlaps with the vocal frequencies produced by many large mammals. Exposure to noise for prolonged periods can cause several health and behavioral changes in fish. Underwater noise pollution also stands to negatively impact fish distribution, abundance and catch rates.

Voith Turbo says the eight blades ensure maritime applications can operate even more quietly, reducing the background exposure for marine life due to noise or underwater sound, which has almost doubled worldwide in the last few years – partly because of increasing shipping traffic and the engine noise from these vessels. 

The latest iteration of the eVSP will be used for the first time in practice aboard Meteor IV – a special-purpose vessel that is being built in Rostock on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The 125-m ship will carry out multi-functional and interdisciplinary tasks with a focus on environmental and climate issues. 

Meteor IV will be equipped with cutting-edge technology including the eVSP type 32X8/285 propeller at the stern. It is also fitted with a Voith inline thruster type 2000-1650H. 

Voith uses a permanent magnet electric motor from its subsidiary ELIN Motoren to drive the eVSP. The eVSP negates the need for a gearbox, which enables especially efficient operation and a compact design.  

VSP technology allows for fast acceleration and short response times for more precise and safe manoeuvring.  

Voith says visitors to its booth at SMM can also gain a better overview of innovations in the company’s product range and the latest developments in the digitalisation of maritime applications. One such innovation is the rcVSP, a system for the remote control of ship assistance tasks pitched at making tug operation more efficient and safer.

Voith will be at Booth 205, Hall 4A from 3-6 September at SMM 2024 in Hamburg.