North America
The Hampton Roads Transit Elizabeth River Ferry, a 150-passenger ferry operated by Norfolk by Boat in the tidewater area of Virginia (USA), runs daily between Portsmouth and downtown Norfolk. The ferry runs 15-19 hours per day, docking up to 12 times per hour, 363 days per year.
After a decision to repower one of the Elizabeth River Ferries in 2013, the company selected the Volvo Penta D13-400. The engines were chosen for their low fuel emissions and superior reliability.
“Our ferries are constantly shifting in and out of gear, pulling in and out of docks, fighting the tide and wind all day long,” says Deon Glover, chief operating officer, Norfolk by Boat. “We needed something very reliable. These engines offer every aspect of reliability. They are awesome,.”
Glover cites the fuel economy of the engines as one of its greatest performance factors. The company estimates that they have saved nearly 3,500 gallons of fuel per year. In addition, the engines offer the speed and power they need to deliver their passengers safely to each point of service.
“We’ve done other engine replacement/rebuilds. With Volvo Penta, after the repower they don’t just leave it to you. The customer service has been mind blowing,” says Glover. “The engine’s speed and power are always there. If you get into a scrape, you don’t have to worry about the engines shutting off, or breaking down.”
The D13-400 engines are performing well and to their expectations, making a positive difference for the Elizabeth River Ferry transit service. Glover adds that Volvo Penta is a different kind of company, and is there for whatever you need, all the way through.
