Four VSPs will drive the first double-ended ferry of W. D. R. Due to the draft limitations in the Wadden Sea, the drive system was split into four propellers type 16R5 EC/120-1, each with an input power of 540 kW. The propellers operate in twos in the stern and in the bow of the double-ended ferry.

The new W. D. R. Ferry with the serial number 28 (NB 28) is currently being built by Sietas shipyards in Hamburg. Voith will deliver the VSPs in spring 2010. Service of the ferry is scheduled to start as early as summer 2010. With 1,200 passengers and 75 cars that can in future be moved to the North-Friesian islands Amrum und Föhr, the capacity of the ferry is, according to the ship owner, significantly higher than that of the vessels "Nordfriesland" and "Rungholt", currently the largest ferries in the fleet. The addition of a fifth lane on deck alone ensures that another 25 cars can be transported.

With 1.75 meters, the draft of NB 28 is lower than that of other ships owned by the company. This is a result of the ferry's design, which makes it less susceptible to extreme water levels. The double-ended ferry concept with four VSPs is also superior in terms of maneuverability. Measuring 75 meters in length and 15.8 meters in width, NB 28 is capable of 12 knots and thus offers time savings of five to ten minutes, as there is no further need for lengthy reversing maneuvers at the port of call. Cars leave the double-ended ferry in driving direction via the ramp on the opposite side. Transfers are thus much quicker and the sailing speed of the ferry can be reduced, resulting in lower fuel consumption and fewer exhaust emissions.

The ferry features a salon deck with restaurant facilities, as well as a sun deck. Passengers can reach the decks comfortably via two lifts. Alongside these features, people on foot who want to enter the ferry will also appreciate the separate side entrance. In the past, cars, trucks and foot passengers had to enter the ferries of the Amrum-Föhr-Line in orderly succession. The new ferry allows simultaneous boarding, which is also safer and faster. The company now plans to put a further double-ended ferry with VSP in service.

Voith Turbo, the specialist for hydrodynamic drive, coupling and braking systems for road, rail and industrial applications, as well as for ship propulsion systems, is a Group Division of Voith AG.

Voith is setting the standard in the paper, energy, mobility, and service markets. Established on January 1, 1867, Voith is now one of the largest family-owned businesses in Europe, with 43 000 employees, 4.9 billion euro in sales, and over 290 locations worldwide.

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