rcVSP – Remote-controlled Voith Schneider Propeller for Harbor Tugs

The rcVSP (remote-controlled Voith Schneider Propeller) enables remote-controlled harbor tugs to safely perform ship assistance and maneuvers. This was proven in a successful full-scale test in the Netherlands with the Carousel Rave Tug from NovaTug.

How it helps

• A tug is in paid service for an average of 2,500 hours per year, but the crew is on board for an average of 8,760 hours to ensure readiness; remote control removes the need for 24-hour crew standby
• A remote-controlled fleet needs no crew lounges or sanitary facilities, and noise insulation and even the bridge can be omitted, reducing weight, increasing agility and lowering energy consumption
• Without a deck house, towing gear can be arranged more freely
• Tow lines, usually handed over manually by a tug operating directly ahead of the bow of large ships (often well over 300 m long and 45 m wide), can be handled with all critical maneuvers controlled from a safe distance

Key benefits

• Greater efficiency in berthing and unberthing maneuvers using remote-controlled assist tugs
• Improved personnel safety
• Based on Voith's expertise in marine propulsion concepts and tug technology

Development

rcVSP was developed in the funded research project FernSAMS (remote-controlled tugs for berthing and unberthing of large ships) together with 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). The aim is to improve working conditions and reduce crew waiting times, not to eliminate tug crews.