Tug with new electronic control system receives first order

The first Voith Water Tractor, with fully electronic control system (ECS) has been commissioned by Japanese shipowner, Fukushima Kisen. The new VWT Shinano has been designed for harbour assistance and escort duties.

Voith says that the ECS enables the hydraulic unit to be installed on the rotor casing foundation of the Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP), which saves space, simplifies maintenance and increases reliability.

The integrated propulsion system results in a reduction in energy consumption due to the direct control of the proportional valves and the elimination of a separate hydraulic unit, according to Voith.

Components of the cooling unit, the pump systems (mechanically driven main pump as well as electrically driven standby pump) and the lube-oil and control oil reservoirs are integrated into the rotor casing area, which Voith says improves the maintenance-friendliness and reliability of the tug.

In addition to the new control system, the tug is equipped with a Turbo Fin to increase indirect tow-rope pull, in particular when escorting. The vessel is also fitted with a roll stabilisation system.