Interview: Oliver Lenz explains how the eVSP increases utilization options, comfort and sustainability of superyachts.

The electric Voith Schneider Propeller (#eVSP) stands for precise, efficient and resource-saving propulsion for ships and vessels. Its high flexibility in the choice of power supply also provides ship operators with maximum future security. With the low noise level and unique roll stabilization of the new Voith Schneider Propeller (#VSP) generation, the innovative drive solution has lots of other features that owners of modern superyachts desire.

In our interview, Oliver Lenz, Sales Application Manager at Voith, also explains why the robust design and low maintenance requirements make the eVSP an ideal drive solution for the explorer yachts.

The demands placed on a #superyacht are probably quite different from those of working vessels such as tugs or supply vessels. Does this apply to propulsion as well?

Absolutely, although the demands are similar in one important respect: Efficiency is now high on the agenda for propulsion concepts for yachts, too. However, comfort for the owner and crew is at least equally important. This includes the smoothness of operation, like the noise and vibrations caused by the propulsion system. And it’s also about underwater noise – when passengers want to dive and observe marine life while the ship must hold its position via a dynamic positioning system, for example. I also want to mention roll stabilization. When dining or doing other activities on board, the ship should be calm in the water – especially since the passengers on superyachts are not always seaworthy. The eVSP with integrated roll stabilization provides comfort in both cases.

What role does sustainability play for these customers?

Among a high percentage of repeat clients, for some years now, the #yacht industry has been serving a new, younger generation of yacht owners. For some of them, the ecological impact is becoming a consideration when designing their personal yacht. Many yacht owners also pay attention to #sustainability because they are in the public eye and therefore look for products that offer luxury with as much sustainability as possible. An electrically powered drive concept like the eVSP provides numerous possibilities to reduce the ecological impact. With the eVSP propulsion system, Voith offers an efficient integration in the electrical drive line as well as a smart integration into the underwater hull with CFD-optimized propeller hull interaction for high propulsive #efficiency. Especially if the energy for the power generation comes from CO2-neutral sources, a more sustainable yacht operation becomes a reality.

Are the general requirements for superyachts changing with the younger and more conscientious clientele of owners?

A yacht can be a lot to her owner: a floating real estate asset, a remote office, a holiday retreat and place for family time, or simply an investment. In any case, it is unique and tailored to the preferences of its owner. In general, the operational profile of yachts has become wider and so have the demands. The standards of comfort and luxury remain, but some of today’s yachts should not only be suitable for the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. Designed for worldwide operation, they are also used in isolated, often harsher regions. Especially explorer yachts capable of longer ranges and build for harsher conditions with dynamic positioning systems on board can cope with conditions off Greenland or in the Antarctic Ocean. A controllable, robust and highly reliable propulsion system such as the eVSP is ideal for these requirements. Known for its excellent maneuverability and energy-saving, station-keeping capability, the eVSP has already proven to be a highly efficient solution for long cruising periods as well.

We are implementing a first yacht project here with the Icon Master. Originally built as a supply vessel, it is now being converted into an explorer yacht. Two eVSPs will be used for propulsion, dynamic positioning and roll stabilization. By the way, the trend we are experiencing shows that such explorer yachts are used much more often and for longer voyages than before. Therefore, the drive system should also be easy to maintain. Based on an installed base of several thousand VSPs, we know that maintenance intervals in dry dock for the VSP family extend for at least five to seven years. Long-term operations and a long life span of the propulsion system are therefore no problem thanks to the eVSP.

“The eVSP enables owners to maximize the operational profile of their yacht while maintaining high comfort and less ecological impact.” Oliver Lenz, Voith 

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