Advanced Propulsion: Edwin Bonsen on Silent, Efficient Yacht Technology | Positive Waves Media

Silent propulsion is becoming an increasingly important part of modern yacht design, especially as efficiency, onboard comfort, underwater noise reduction, and vessel performance move higher on the agenda.

In this episode of Positive Waves Media, host Jana Thomas speaks with Edwin Bonsen, Director Sales Marine Benelux at Voith Turbo B.V., about advanced maritime propulsion systems and their relevance for the superyacht and mega yacht market.

The conversation explores the electric Voith Schneider Propeller, a system with nearly 100 years of history that has evolved through the integration of permanent magnet motor technology. By eliminating mechanical gears, Voith has made the system even quieter, supporting applications where silent operation, hydrodynamic performance, and onboard comfort are key priorities.

Edwin also explains how the Voith Schneider Propeller can provide propulsion, steering, and roll damping, potentially reducing the need for traditional stabilizers while saving space, reducing resistance, and improving overall efficiency.

The episode also looks at Voith inline thrusters, rim drive systems, swing-out azimuthing applications, and the Voith Linear Jet for faster yachts between 20 and 40 knots.

Because several propulsion systems are discussed visually, the YouTube version is especially useful for seeing the technology being referenced.

Watch the video version here:
https://youtu.be/RVwrkl_9RCo

Guest:
Edwin Bonsen
Director Sales Marine Benelux
Voith Turbo B.V.
www.voith.com

Host:
Jana Thomas
Positive Waves Media

In this conversation:

00:00:00 Meet Voith Marine
00:00:15 Inside Voith’s Global Engineering Portfolio
00:00:47 Voith’s Role in the Superyacht Market
00:01:02 Electric Voith Schneider Propeller Explained
00:02:09 Silent Propulsion for Research Vessels
00:02:53 Stabilisation Without Traditional Fins
00:03:27 Size, Power, and Technical Specs
00:03:51 Efficiency, Noise Reduction, and Roll Damping
00:04:48 Inline Thrusters, Linear Jets, and Yacht Applications
00:05:47 Why Silent, Efficient Propulsion Matters

🎙️ Positive Waves Media | Yachting International Radio