Voith Unveils Dual-Fuel Water Tractors Featuring Next-Generation Propulsion and Control Systems

VWT type TRAktor V3900-DF with dual-fuel drive, based on the design of renowned Canadian naval architects and marine engineers Robert Allan Ltd.

(IN BRIEF) Voith has introduced two innovative TRAktor V3900-DF water tractors featuring a dual-fuel drive system capable of operating on both LNG and diesel. The vessels are enhanced by two newly developed Voith Schneider Propellers (VSP) type 32X6/265, ensuring superior maneuverability and performance despite their considerable size. With a power output of 6,000 kW per unit, the tugs can achieve speeds up to 12.5 knots and deliver a bollard pull exceeding 80 metric tons. The advanced Voith Electronic Control System (ECS) governs the propulsion, offering refined and safe control. To ensure seamless integration and practical use of the ECS, Voith is providing intensive, certified onboard training led by experienced specialists. This initiative is spearheaded by Botaş Petroleum Pipeline Corporation, a long-term Voith customer known for its significant role in Turkey’s energy sector. The design of these water tractors was executed by Robert Allan Ltd., and the construction was carried out by Uzmar Shipbuilding, reinforcing the strong collaborative efforts across industry leaders.

(PRESS RELEASE) HEIDENHEIM, 18-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Voith Group, the global technology group renowned for its marine innovations, has once again pushed the boundaries of marine propulsion. Building on its extensive portfolio that includes over 1,000 conventional Voith Water Tractors (VWTs) and its pioneering hybrid drive systems, Voith has now developed two groundbreaking TRAktor V3900-DF models featuring dual-fuel drive capabilities. These advanced water tractors are uniquely equipped to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel, offering an eco-friendly solution designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern port operations.

Each vessel is outfitted with a pair of newly engineered Voith Schneider Propellers (VSP) type 32X6/265. This state-of-the-art propulsion technology not only delivers exceptional maneuverability and robust performance despite the vessels’ 39-meter length, but it also supports a formidable power output of 6,000 kW per unit. This design enables the water tractors to achieve a maximum speed of up to 12.5 knots and a bollard pull exceeding 80 metric tons, ensuring outstanding escort capabilities.

Dual-fuel tug TRAktor V3900-DF in operation at Botaş Petroleum Pipeline Corporation.

The vessels are steered by Voith’s innovative Electronic Control System (ECS), a sophisticated solution that enhances operational precision and safety. To further optimize system integration and operational efficiency, Voith is offering comprehensive technical and nautical training directly on board. These training sessions, led by Voith’s team of seasoned experts, are rigorously supervised and officially certified, ensuring that Botaş captains are fully equipped to harness the advanced functionalities of the ECS.

Botaş Petroleum Pipeline Corporation, a major player in Turkey’s oil and natural gas transport and trading sectors, is the driving force behind this ambitious pilot project. With access to ample supplies of both LNG and diesel at the strategic port terminals in Ceyhan/Adana and İskenderun, Botaş has long been a valued Voith partner, already operating several of Voith’s traditional VWTs. “We are proud to see Botaş elevate its tug fleet with our cutting-edge technologies,” commented Gökhan Terlemez, Sales Manager NB & AMB Turkey/Middle East at Voith.

This project also benefits from the close cooperation of distinguished industry partners. The design of the TRAktor V3900-DF vessels is credited to the acclaimed Canadian naval architecture and marine engineering firm Robert Allan Ltd., while their construction was executed by Uzmar Shipbuilding, one of the world’s foremost tugboat builders located in Kocaeli. Patrick Denning, Sales Application Manager at Voith, remarked, “The collaborative spirit between Robert Allan Ltd., Uzmar, Botaş, and our Voith team allowed us to effectively address and overcome the challenges of integrating dual-fuel technology, ensuring safety and reliability from design through classification.”

For further details, please contact Global Communications at Voith Turbo via VT-press-office@voith.com. The complete press release is available for download as a PDF file (0.19 MB).

About the Voith Group
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 22,000 employees, sales of € 5.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.

About Voith Turbo
The Group Division Voith Turbo is part of the Voith Group and a specialist for intelligent drive technology, systems as well as tailor-made services. With its innovative and smart products, Voith offers highest efficiency and reliability. Customers from highly diverse industries such as oil and gas, energy, mining and mechanical engineering, ship technology, rail and commercial vehicles rely on the advanced technologies and digital applications of Voith.

Media contact:

Susanne Speiser
Manager Global Communication Voith Turbo
Phone +49 7321 37 8497
Susanne.Speiser@Voith.com

SOURCE: Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA