Comparison

iVSP vs EMPASafe

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

iVSP

Experience ship navigation with Voith propulsion systems. Explore the mechanics and hydrodynamics of Voith Schneider Propellers (VSP) and their unique thrust capabilities on various vessel types. Learn about the innovative technology behind this propulsion system.

Highlights
  • Steer ships with Voith propulsion
  • Explore Voith Schneider Propeller mechanics
  • Understand VSP hydrodynamics
  • Simulate various vessel types
  • Learn about VSP thrust generation
Features
Read full description

The iVSP app allows users to steer ships equipped with Voith propulsion systems, in particular Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP). These are real ships of various types: Voith Water Tractors (tugs), double-ended ferries, offshore vessels, and yachts. iVSP also provides a deeper insight into the mechanics and hydrodynamics of the Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP) and its unique propeller forces. The VSP enables the fastest generation of thrust in all directions – stepless and precisely. VSPs combine propulsion, steering, and roll stabilization in a single unit, eliminating the need for rudders. Thrust and steering forces can be generated in any direction from zero to maximum. The Voith Schneider Propeller generates thrust by means of profiled blades that protrude from the ship's bottom and rotate around a vertical axis. The blades are mounted in a rotor casing that is flush with the ship's bottom. The rotational movement of the blades around the common vertical axis is superimposed by a local oscillatory movement of the individual propeller blades around their own axis. This oscillatory movement is generated by a kinematic mechanism (kinematics). The Voith Schneider Propeller is based on an idea by Austrian inventor Ernst Schneider, and its effectiveness was first successfully demonstrated in model tests in 1926. The development potential of the VSP is far from exhausted, and Voith engineers are continuously working to further improve its efficiency. In addition, the company is constantly developing new applications for various types of ships for this unique propulsion system. Suggestions for the application and further improvement of the VSP are always welcome. The relevant contact details for Voith can be found in the main menu of iVSP.

About

EMPASafe

Features
Read full description

The application is a tool for creating and submitting maritime defect reports in real-time, facilitating fast and efficient communication for an agile response. The system ensures that all team members are informed and prepared to meet any challenge, enhancing safety and enabling data analysis to identify trends and suggest improvements. Key Features: • Issue Reporting: EMPA Safe allows any problem or risk situation at sea to be recorded quickly and securely. Users can easily create new reports by entering critical details such as IMO number, ship name, ship type, and nationality, ensuring data integrity. • Real-Time Communication: The application keeps users connected to their team and provides instant alerts of potential risks. It includes automatic notifications when a vessel with an active report approaches its home port, ensuring continuous situational awareness. • Advanced Data Analysis: Data collected from defect reports is analysed to provide insights, identifying trends and areas for improvement. This functionality enables users to make informed decisions based on hard data. • Tailored Security Measures: Enables the implementation of operation-specific security measures to ensure the resilience and protection of maritime operations. The application also facilitates comprehensive defect review and management, allowing confirmation, resolution, or new reports to be created based on existing data. Key Benefits: 1. Improves security management efficiency. 2. Enhances communication and collaboration between teams. 3. Facilitates data-driven decision-making. 4. Helps proactively identify and address potential risks. 5. Improves operational safety and resilience at sea. Why Should I Download the App? The EMPA Safe app is a powerful tool designed specifically for maritime pilots that not only improves operational safety through optimised data management and issue reporting but also fosters collaboration and communication between colleagues. The application's intuitive user interface and robust features facilitate defect management and ensure that all team members are informed and prepared to meet any challenge. Download EMPA Safe today and join the maritime safety revolution. Keep your operations safe and efficient at all times! European Maritime Pilots' Association (EMPA), "Powered by Amura".

Screenshots

iVSP4 screens
EMPASafe4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: EMPASafe at every 2 weeks against iVSP's every 21 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

iVSP ships an update every 21 months, EMPASafe every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and May 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
iVSP versus EMPASafe: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriVSPEMPASafe
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 21 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.013.0
Further details — not scored
Size384 MB18 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVoith Digital Solutions IncPLEYONE MANAGEMENT CAPITAL SL

In-app purchases

None

iVSP

No in-app purchases

None

EMPASafe

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is iVSP free?
iVSP is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is EMPASafe free?
EMPASafe is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do iVSP or EMPASafe have ads?
Neither iVSP nor EMPASafe shows ads.
Which is updated more often, iVSP or EMPASafe?
iVSP ships an update every 21 months, and EMPASafe every 2 weeks. Most recently, iVSP was updated on September 11, 2026 and EMPASafe on May 16, 2026.

Other comparisons