The average depth of the deepwater port is 15m, enabling even the largest container ships to be accommodated.From October 2007, the cargo ships will be assisted by two Voith Water Tractors (VWT), both when entering or leaving the port, as well as when making fast at the dockside.

This is the first time that Voith Turbo Marine is delivering VWTs directly to a Chinese end customer,Shanghai Port Technology Engineering Service Corporation. The two new VWTs will be built by San Lin Shipyard, for which Voith Turbo Marine will deliver four Voith Schneider Propellers size 28 (28 R5/210-2), four Voith 1330 DTL turbo couplings, as well as two control desks.

A Voith training captain will instruct the crew. Voith Turbo Marine will provide its know how to the Chinese shipbuilder of the 30m long, 11.2m wide VWTs, which were designed specifically for the new harbor. Owing to the port being situated far from the shoreline,the seas will be much rougher, which had to be borne in mind during the design stage.

Two Yanmar diesel engines, each rated at 1,940kW, drive the VWTs, which are designed for a speed of 12.5 knots. The safety, reliability, maneuverability and precision in towing and escort service, as well as during fire-fighting capabilties, were decisive criteria for this order.

In October 2007, as agreed by Voith Turbo Marine and the operator Shanghai Harbour Fuxing Shipping Service Company, the two VWTs are intended to enter service after a construction time of just one year. By then, some of the 50 container terminals will be completed.

It has already been established that further Voith Water Tractors will be needed before the construction of Shanghai Deepwater Port is finalised.

MJ Information No: 22333