VOLVO PENTA IPS IN NEW WORKBOATS

Swedish marine engine and drive systems manufacturer, Volvo Penta, says European shipyard Baltic Workboats has signed a contract to design and build a 16m fast pilot boat equipped with twin IPS1050 pod-drive units.

Volvo Penta said the largest version of the IPS system, matched with the D13 diesel engine, has only just been introduced, but the orders for this powerful drive system are already coming in.

The latest order is from Baltic Workboats, who will design a new and innovative hull to get the best result of the pod-drive system and, therefore, create a new and unique segment of fast aluminum workboats powered by IPS, said Volvo Penta.

The new boats will be launched during 2011 and will be operated by the Estonian customer Eesti Loots. With twin IPS1050 packages, rated at 800hp each, the new boat will reportedly reach a top speed well above 30kts.

“It is pleasing to see that we already now have such a strong acceptance for our largest IPS system,” said Gerard Törneman, head of Volvo Penta Marine Commercial product planning. “The advantages for the operators, especially when it comes to fuel savings, are so obvious that I think we can expect a rapid increase of the IPS market shares within commercial shipping.”

Volvo Penta said Baltic Workboats AS (BWB) is a growing company that manages the entire production process from design to launch. BWB has built more than 100 different sized boats and vessels for pilots, coast guards, police, fishery patrol and several harbors in nearly all Baltic Sea countries, added the company.

At-a-Glance
Engine (make/model):
Volvo Penta IPS1050
Type:
In-line six-cylinder turbo diesel
Displacement:
12.8lt
Rated HP:
800 at 2300rpm

Turbo system:
Dual-stage
Emissions:
Satisfies EU RCD and US EPA Tier 2

Speed range:
Approx 28 to 40kts