iVSP vs EMPASafe
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Steer ships with Voith propulsion
- Explore Voith Schneider Propeller mechanics
- Understand VSP hydrodynamics
- Simulate various vessel types
- Learn about VSP thrust generation
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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.
EMPASafe
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
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.
| Parameter | iVSP | EMPASafe |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 21 months | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 384 MB | 18 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Voith Digital Solutions Inc | PLEYONE MANAGEMENT CAPITAL SL |
In-app purchases
iVSP
No in-app purchases
EMPASafe
No in-app purchases









