Voith-Propelled Kroonborg Awarded Ship of the Year 2015

Voith is proud of being part of the development team of the Walk to Work Vessel Kroonborg. The propulsion specialist congratulates Royal Wagenborg, Royal Niestern Sander and NAM/Shell UK on winning the Ship of the Year award of the Royal Netherlands Society for Marine Technology (KNVTS). 

The Kroonborg sets a new standard for service in the offshore industry. The innovative concept is substantially based on the unique performance of the Voith Schneider Propellers (VSP) and the Voith Inline Thrusters (VIT). The VITs are used for the first time in a newly developed offshore generation. Both propulsion systems keep the vessel on position – to the meter and very close to offshore constructions. This, for example, enables the transfer of personal and goods also at a high sea state, and thus safely enlarges the operating window of the vessel.

Two VSP 28R5 ECS/234-2 arranged at the stern are used for main propulsion and an active roll stabilization of the vessel. Furthermore, two very silent RIM drive thrusters VIT 2000-1000 H are located at the bow, close to the accommodations of the crew and the maintenance personnel. The low noise behavior of the VITs allows such a close arrangement and ensures a high comfort level on board also during dynamic positioning.

The distinguished Walk to Work concept is suitable for varied offshore activities. While the oil and gas industry is the main application area so far, it can also be adopted to the requirements of the offshore wind industry.