Voith Schneider propels Ostensjo newbuilds

Two Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) and one multi-functional Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) will each be equipped with two Voith Schneider Propellers (VSP).

The three vessels are owned by the Norwegian shipowner ?stensj? AS and will enter service in the North Sea over the next two years.

The two 85.2-metre PSVs with a width of 19.2 metres and a draught of 6.5 metres are currently being built at the Spanish shipyard Astilleros Gondan. On each of the VSPs, two type 32R5 EC/300-2 will be installed designed for an output of 2,500 kW and giving a total propulsion power of 5,000 kW generated by a diesel electric power plant. Service speed will be 15.5 knots.

With an overall length of 93.4 metres, a width of 20 metres and a draught of 6 metres, the OSV which will be fitted with a moonpool and operate a ROV. This OSV will also have a diesel-electric power plant which will drive two VSPs type 36R6 EC/300-2 with a total output of 7,600 kW. Another special feature of this vessel which is being built at the Norwegian shipyard Karmsund Maritime Service AS, is its relatively high service speed of 18 knots.

The drive concept of Voith Schneider Propellers is ideal for Platform Supply Vessels, as the ships are unloaded and loaded on the open sea, even in rough conditions. This requires a high degree of manoeuvrability of the vessel, keeping the risk of a collision between ship and offshore platform to a minimum. Roll damping is another key feature of the VSP. During standstill and at slow speeds the VSPs, thanks to their quick responses, can be used to reduce the effects of high seas on the ship. In this case, the VSPs, fitted with VRS roll stabilization, generate a counter moment to the wave moment. As a result, 80 to 90% of the rolling motion of the ship can be suppressed.

The combination of Voith Schneider Propeller and Voith Roll Stabilization thus greatly enhances the application window of OSVs and allows working on deck even in bad weather conditions.