First order for Voith linear jet

Johan Huber, sales and projects manager, Voith Linear Jet, said to The Motorship: “The Voith linear jet bridges the gap between a traditional propeller and a waterjet. There is nothing else out there like this on the market – it fills a gap between the two. The first full scale application of this new product is carefully monitored so this is an important contract for Voith and the crown on a five year research and development programme.”

Voith worked with BMT Nigel Gee on the development of the new VLJs with a view to partnering with the designers on more vessels in the future. The VLJ is a new vessel propulsor aimed at giving naval architects a new way to optimise vessel design.

The jets provide a substantial higher bollard pull without a requirement for increased installed power – allowing the safe transfer of wind farm personnel and equipment. Voith claims that the VLJ employs the simplicity and efficiency of a conventional propeller installation, yet is able to perform up to 40 knot top speeds without the shake, rattle and roll of a power-dense propeller.