UK
At its launch in 2005, Volvo Penta’s unique Inboard Performance System (IPS) was nothing short of a propulsion revolution. An often unsung quality of the IPS solution is how compact it is, allowing operators to truly make the most out of their boat space. This is true for a variety of vessels, operating in many different industries and environments. So, here are some examples of how compact IPS solutions contribute to increased operational efficiency and onboard comfort.
IPS ensures speed and swiftness for emergency personnel
In Copenhagen, the local fire department uses its fireboat HBR 1 Copenhagen to quickly navigate the waters of the Danish capital. The IPS ensures fast and agile manoeuvring, helping the firefighters respond to emergencies more quickly. The compactness of the IPS also allows for a bigger crew and more rescue gear onboard the fireboat.
One of the fireboat’s two diesel engines has a fire pump attached to a front power take-off (PTO). This arrangement enables manoeuvring by the other engine, while the firemen spray water on the fire. The fireboat is 15 meters long and has a maximum speed of 29 knots.
Combining comfort and reliability even in tough marine conditions
Norwegian marine operator Buksér og Berging AS uses IPS for its pilot boats, operating along the coast. The Los 132, for example, travels over 42,000 nautical miles and escorts more than a thousand ships, every year. Operating 24-7 at high speeds and in challenging weather conditions requires a propulsion system that is high-performing and completely reliable.
The compact IPS solution reduces noise and vibrations significantly, making operations more comfortable for the crew, and less intrusive for the people and wildlife of the area. Buksér og Berging AS is also about to put another IPS-powered vessel, an ambulance boat, into operation.
A compact IPS solution that allows operators to meet IMO III requirements – and welcome more passengers
Vega is an Italian tourist ferry, transporting visitors along the Amalfi coast, south of Naples. The ferry uses Volvo Penta’s IMO III-compliant IPS, complete with an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) exhaust aftertreatment system. Since the IPS solution is so compact, the boat designer operator was able to add twenty more passenger seats to Vega; something that would not have been possible with a traditional inboard shaft installation.
Vega is 36 meters long, and can take up to 540 passengers. The normal cruising speed is 20 knots, but it can travel at up to 39 knots. The ferry operates about 3,000 to 3,500 hours per year.
Compact IPS solutions help operators get the most out of their vessels
The compactness of your propulsion solution is a major benefit in and of itself. Reducing the size of your engine room, or using its space more efficiently, allows you to carry more passengers and goods. Traditional inboard shaft installations require more space than IPS solutions, and consume more fuel too.
Compared to traditional inboard shaft installations, the IPS solution also typically has a 30% higher propulsion efficiency. One reason behind this is that the IPS solution offers a horizontal, forward-facing thrust; this is usually not the case when using a traditional inboard shaft installation. In addition, it is more efficient to use contra-rotating propellers instead of only one prop per shaft.
Feel free to contact lars.w.persson@volvo.com if you have any questions on this topic. Learn more about our IPS solution, our D13-IPS IMO III engine, or IMO Tier III and EU Stage V..