Reducing Travel Distance
The yachting division of Van der Velden Marine Systems, will exhibit green BARKE rudder at the Monaco Yacht Show. The rudders are developed to deliver excellent manoeuvrability and high-lift. Another benefit is the fuel savings its offers compared to conventional rudders, thanks to a reduction in travel distance.
When a yacht is underway the autopilot corrects course deviations by adjusting the rudder angle. With a conventional rudder the complete blade will move and turn the vessel in an exaggerated large angle to port or starboard, creating the familiar zigzag course pattern. In contrast, these high-lift rudders are fitted with a sophisticated flap-linkage mechanism. Rather than moving the complete rudder blade the small flap moves most, and course corrections by the autopilot dramatically reduce the angle of movement. Turning circles are also much smaller flap type rudders in comparison with the conventional rudders. The overall result is a reduction in travel distance and less fuel consumption.
Van der Velden will also exhibit their award winning EPS silent thruster, which is also available in a tunnel and retractable version, with beneficial performance in the fields of noise levels, low weight, space saving and comfort. Due to the resulting increase in customer demands, Van der Velden has now decided to switch from single to series production. This will allow greater quantities to be produced and shorter delivery times of all variants of the EPS thrusters are guaranteed for clients.