HANSA 09-2024

SMM Voith, Heidenheim

SMM Voith, Heidenheim More sustainability and increasing digitalization of maritime applications: For shipping companies and ship owners, these two issues are among the key challenges in the next few years. For example, stricter statutory regulations are intended to reduce emissions on the sea and inland waterways worldwide. Digitalization also offers the shipping industry a wealth of new opportunities to make vessel operations more efficient and safer. Both these topics will take center stage at the SMM 2024. Voith Turbo will be showcasing the latest iteration of its sustainable propulsion concept: the first electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP) with eight blades. The eight blades ensure that maritime applications can operate even more quietly. The eight-bladed eVSP reduces the background exposure for marine life due to noise and/or underwater sound, which has almost doubled worldwide in the last few years because of increasing shipping traffic. Thanks to this noise reduction, the new eVSP is making an important contribution to protecting marine fauna. The latest iteration of the eVSP will be used for the first time in practice in the »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-long ship will be equipped with cutting-edge technology. The vessel will be propelled by an eVSP type 32X8/285 at the stern. It is also fitted with a Voith Inline Thruster (VIT) type 2000–1650H. Voith Turbo uses a permanent magnet electric motor from its subsidiary ELIN Motoren to drive the eVSP. Thanks to its design principle, the eVSP does not need a gearbox, which enables especially efficient operation and a compact design. This gives ship designers more scope for integrating the drive unit. Visitors to the Voith Turbo booth can also gain a comprehensive overview of innovations in the company’s product range as well as the latest developments in the digitalization of maritime applications. One such innovation is the rcVSP, for example, a system for the remote control of ship assistance tasks that makes the operation of tugs more efficient and safer. Just recently, Voith Turbo successfully tested in practice a pilot project in the field of inland waterway navigation, where the focus was once again on improving efficiency and safety. © Voith Turbo Hall A4 | booth 205 Volvo Penta, Kiel © Volvo Penta Volvo Penta is set to redefine the marine industry with its all-new IPS professional platform, set for a 2025 launch. This platform is a significant evolution of the company’s fully integrated helm-topropeller experience, designed to enhance comfort, performance, and sustainability for professional vessels and superyachts ranging from 25 to 55+ m, capable of achieving speeds from 12-40 kn. The Volvo Penta IPS has been a cornerstone in marine propulsion with 20 years of proven application and over 36,000 units in use. The new professional platform builds on this legacy by integrating state-of-the-art engineering, including a larger and more versatile propulsion package, the Volvo Penta IPS 40. This innovative drive is prepared for a variety of energy sources, from traditional combustion engines to fully electric or hybrid setups, supported by a dual power input system that optimizes energy efficiency. Johan Inden, President of Volvo Penta’s marine business, emphasizes that this platform is designed to exceed existing high standards, aiming to deliver top-tier performance, flexibility, and a commitment to sustainability. The professional platform, expected to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 30 % compared to traditional systems, will be powered initially by twin Volvo Penta D13 engines, aligned with the latest IMO Tier III standards. In terms of operational efficiency, the new Volvo Penta IPS professional platform offers unmatched maneuverability and propulsion efficiency, delivering up to 40 % longer cruising range, 20 % higher top speed, and faster acceleration. The advanced design also reduces noise by up to 50 %, enhancing onboard comfort significantly. Commercial operators and marine professionals will find the platform equipped with a suite of support services to maximize uptime. These include predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and a global network providing 24/7 customer support and parts availability. This comprehensive support system is crucial for operators who rely on extended service intervals and reduced downtime. Hall A3 | booth 419 104 HANSA – International Maritime Journal 09 | 2024