The new vessel propulsion system Voith Linear Jet (VLJ) literally takes shape. The Dutch foundry Drunen has cast the rotor of the first VLJ. Two of these propulsion systems will be used in a newly designed vessel supplying offshore wind farms with staff and equipment, even at high seas.
Turbine Transfer Ltd. expands its fleet of more than 20 fast catamarans by a new BMT Nigel Gee designed wind farm support vessel. With its fleet, the British company transports staff and equipment between the shore and offshore wind turbines.
Even at high seas, safe transfer from the vessel to the turbine must be ensured – a task to which the new Voith Linear Jet is ideally suited. It provides the fast catamaran with a substantially higher bollard pull without requiring a more powerful engine.
This new Voith propulsion system is being utilized for the first time. Following completion of the rotor by the Dutch foundry Drunen, the next step is to complete the nozzle. Delivery of the first VLJs is scheduled for the end of this year.
The new Voith Linear Jet gives naval architects new ways to optimize their vessel designs while still delivering top speeds of 40 knots. The key difference to conventional propellers is the VLJ’s much smoother and quieter operation even at high speeds and a larger range of applications: Not only is the propulsion system useful for high speeds, but it is also ideally suited to low-speed cruising.
The Voith Linear Jet combines the advantages of waterjets (at high speeds) with those of conventional propellers (at low speeds) in one propulsion system. The high degree of efficiency achieved in both areas of application makes it the perfect solution not only for fast catamarans but also for yachts, coast guard vessels or ferries.
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Press release, September 4, 2012; Image: Voith