IPS powers pilots for Rosmoport
The semi-planing pilot boats will be equipped with twin IPS450 packages providing a maximum speed of 22 knots.
Russian state owned company Rosmorport has ordered six pilot boats powered by Volvo Penta´s high efficiency drive system, Inboard Performace System (IPS).
Volvo Penta launched the Inboard Performance System six years ago, featuring forward facing propellers and steerable drive units. IPS delivered improved performance, reduced fuel consumption and increased onboard comfort compared to traditional shaft installations. It is today the marine industry´s leading pod system and, following its initial introduction in the leisure marine sector, its appearance in the commercial sector has been well received. The Swedish Coast Guard recently decided to go for IPS in a new type of sea rescue vessel and there are similar commercial projects ongoing in many countries.
In Russia the state owned company Rosmorport has decided to equip six new 14m pilot boats with IPS instead of traditional shafts. The semi-planing pilot boats will be equipped with twin IPS450 packages with slow propellers providing a maximum speed of 22 knots and a range of 120 nautical miles. The delivery package includes features such as a Dynamic Positioning System, sport fish mode, trip computer, cruise control and low speed control. The engines and drives will be certified by Russian Maritime register.
The pilot boats are designed by MT-Shipbuilding and will be built by Moscow Shipbuilding & Shiprepair yard. The majority of the boats will be located in the Azov and Black Sea area of Russia, providing pilot service in river deltas.
Built with aluminium alloy hulls, the 13.98m MPB14 multi-purpose boats will have a beam of 4.32m, a draught of 1.24m, and will displace 15 tons. The boats will each have a crew of two and will carry up to six pilots.
Rosmorport is a state owned company responsible for providing the navigation safety on the water and on the waterways to state owned seaports and large harbours. This work includes pilot service, harbour administration, ice-breaking and other duties involving a large number of ships and boats.
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