UK
Norwegian ferry company Rodne moves forward by using Volvo Penta’s IMO Tier III solution in its passenger vessel.
As a company that prides itself on its environmentally-friendly credentials, Rodne has been field testing Volvo Penta’s new 13-liter emissions-reduction propulsion package in one of its ferries. The Norwegian operator has selected twin D13-IPS1050 that fulfil IMO Tier III regulations, ahead of the legislation coming into force in 2021. The units are installed in its Rygeroy catamaran, which is operated as a commuter ferry, sightseeing boat and charter vessel.
“We wanted to test this new equipment early to be ahead of the regulations and our competitors, and to get to know the system well to see how it produces fewer emissions,” says Rolf Kristiansen, technical superintendant at Rodne.
“We have a program to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions from our boats, which is important to us as a company and better for the environment.”
Reliability for commuters and sightseers
Rodne has been in operation for more than 60 years and is now one of Norway’s largest high-speed ferry companies. Based in Stavanger, the company provides passenger transport, tourist vessels and ambulance boats. The Rygeroy catamaran operates a commuter service four times a day between Stavanger and Kvitsoy island; in summer the boat provides sightseeing tours on the Lysefjord (a 26-mile fjord) to scenic spots such as Pulpit Rock (a high rocky plateau that juts over the water), and Vagabond’s Cave (a cove with an aqua-marine pool), and for passengers to enjoy the wildlife. The vessel can also be chartered privately.
The Rygeroy is operated for up to ten hours a day, and its operational requirements are varied: “The biggest challenge on Kvitsoy’s commuter service is the open sea with big waves, strong winds, and difficult waters to navigate in, which means that we need the engine and the boat to be reliable,” says Kristiansen. “One the sightseeing trips on the fjord, maneuverability is very important when we come near waterfalls, when we feed goats from the front of the boat, and when we are in the cave or moving into position to get the best picture of Pulpit Rock.”
Greater reduction of emissions for IMO Tier III
IMO Tier III regulations will apply in 2021 to vessels entering the Baltic Sea and North Sea, and will stipulate a reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted of around 70 per cent compared to current IMO Tier II levels. Volvo Penta’s IMO Tier III solution surpasses stipulated emissions limits in reducing NOx by up to 75 per cent. Exhaust gases are mixed with UREA/DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) in the SCR unit. The two alternative exhaust outlets are designed for marine standards and will provide customers with different possible SCR configurations. In combination with the separate UREA injector pipe the solution will enable flexible and compact installations. The DEF tank has sensors to check the UREA levels and quality; it also can be easily connected to the vessel bulk tank to increase operating range. For Volvo Penta IPS, there are also specific features, such as the exhaust bend, to ensure ease of installation and operation.
Additional benefits of Volvo Penta’s IMO Tier III solution:
Surpassing requirements
As part of its philosophy on environmental care, Rodne has been pleased to field test Volvo Penta’s D13-IPS1050 units with SCR for IMO Tier III.
“We have had a good experience and good relations with Volvo Penta for many years and these IMO Tier III units replace the Volvo Penta engines we had previously,” says Kristiansen. “The new engines work more than satisfactorily, and the IPS system is simple and easy to install – they take up little space and provide good maneuverability. We get good service from the Volvo Penta dealers in Stavanger and Bergen, and we may install Volvo Penta IMO Tier III units in other of our vessels that need repowering in future, and possibly in new-builds as well.”
The relationship between Rodne and Volvo Penta is mutually beneficial. “It’s useful for us to have companies test our engines and propulsion packages to the full in all different conditions,” says Aniko Holm, manager for marine field tests at Volvo Penta. “We learn about what works well and what might need modifications. With our IMO Tier III solution, we have a package that is powerful and robust, yet can surpass future emissions reduction requirements.”