rcVSP – Remote-controlled Voith Schneider Propeller

The rcVSP (remote-controlled Voith Schneider Propeller) is a technology for carrying out ship assistance and tug maneuvers remotely. Its feasibility was demonstrated in a successful full-scale test in the Netherlands with the Carousel Rave Tug from Novatug.

How it helps

• A tug is in paid operation for an average of 2,500 hours a year, while crews are typically on board around 8,760 hours to keep it ready; remote control reduces crew standby time and costs
• Remotely operated tugs can omit crew accommodation, sanitary facilities, noise insulation and even the bridge, cutting weight, improving maneuverability and lowering energy consumption
• Removing the deck house opens new design options, e.g. for arranging towing gear
• Critical maneuvers such as tow-line handover in front of the bow of large vessels (often over 300 m long and 45 m wide) can be performed from a safe distance, improving crew safety

Key benefits

• More efficient mooring and cast-off maneuvers with remote-controlled tug assistants
• Greater safety for crews
• Builds on Voith's VSP and tug propulsion expertise, including the Voith Water Tractor

Development

rcVSP was developed in the funded research project FernSAMS (remotely controlled tugs in large-vessel berthing and unmooring maneuvers) with partners Fraunhofer CML, MacGregor GmbH, MTC Maritime Training Center Hamburg, Media Mobil Communication GmbH, TU Hamburg and the German Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute (BAW).