A L U M I N I U M
ALU MIN IUM
I S S U E
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- € 10 30 - 202 2 ISS UE - n°
IN THE
SPOTLIGHT
Full Ahead by Paola Bertelli - ph. Courtesy of Volvo Penta
Volvo Penta made its official entry into the superyacht world with its IPS propulsion system offering performance, comfort and environmental awareness
V
olvo Penta’s IPS propulsion systems are more than efficient and reliable - since their launch in 2005 they have inspired a revolution in the propulsion world. Over 35,000 units have been sold, and they
have been mounted on thousands of pleasure and commercial craft. In recent years they have also begun to be used on superyachts above 30 metres. The latest of these was the Amer 120, launched last August. Volvo Penta has installed its most powerful IPS system on board this 36-metre yacht. It comprises four 1000 hp IPS 1350 diesel thrusters coupled to pod drives, and it is this combination of IPS
engines and underwater pods with their hydrodynamic featuThe wide range of IPS units includes models between 300 and
res and powerful propulsion that makes the system so effective.
1,000 hp for installing on craft from 9 metres long to superyachts in
What is the IPS so suitable for superyachts, too? The first factor
dual, triple and quadruple layouts. Launched in 2005, IPS systems
is the outstanding performance produced by this unique sy-
can now be found on over 40,000 yachts
stem with dual contra-rotating propellers facing forwards and
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Above, left, the quadruple IPS system on the Amer 120, a 36-metre yacht by Permare (above,right), is the most powerful IPS system installed by Volvo so far. Underwater exhausts and elastic engine and transmission supports mean significant cuts in vibration and noise
located beneath the hull ready to “bite” the water, as well as the
comfort, especially when sailing at night. The joystick helm sim-
fact that the IPS enables yachts to sail in displacement and planing
plifies yacht management, particularly when navigating narrow
modes, resulting in fuel savings of up to 30% and lower environmen-
stretches of water. As a result owners can enjoy taking control of
tal emissions – the IPS units can be equipped with SCR, Selective
their large craft.
Catalytic Reduction, satisfying IMO Tier III standards and enabling
Equipping a superyacht with IPS units involves mounting an entire
the yacht to sail in ECAs (Emission Control Areas).
Volvo Penta system – pods, engines, exhaust, helm, electronic in-
Low consumption also means longer range, and the compact size
struments and cabling, software, joystick and Humphree intercep-
of the propulsion units and the system in general provides precious
tors (Humphree is a Volvo Group brand). In this way Volvo Penta
space on the lower deck – a smaller engine room, for example, tran-
becomes the single reference point for yacht propulsion, a strategic
slates into larger guest and crew cabins, more spacious garages for
aspect from the yard’s point of view during the construction phase
toys and tender and an even more spectacular beach club.
and an asset for owners and crew, who can look to Volvo’s powerful
The elastic mounts for the engine and transmission generate a con-
global assistance network for engine repairs and maintenance.
siderable reduction in vibration and noise and enhancing on-board
www.volvopenta.com
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