Workboats breakthrough for IPS propulsion system

More than 10,000 IPS units have already been supplied for leisure boat applications.

Volvo Penta´s 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 so called ‘pod’ installations launched in 2005 feature forward facing propellers in systems based on Volvo Penta’s four and six litre diesel engines. Two new power classes were launched last year with larger drive units based on larger 11 litre engines. This third generation features two versions of Volvo’s 13 litre engine equipped with dual stage turbo technology to produce 800 and 900hp respectively.

The latest order is from the shipyard Baltic Workboats, which will design a completely new innovative hull to get the best results from the IPS system. The ambition is to create a new and unique segment of fast aluminum workboats powered by Volvo Penta IPS.

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

Gerard Törneman, head of Volvo Penta Marine commercial product planning said, ‘It is pleasing to see that we already now have such a strong acceptance for our largest IPS system. 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.’

Baltic Workboats AS (BWB) is a fast growing company which manages its entire production process from design to launch. The yard has built more than 100 different sized boats and vessels for pilots, coast guards, police, fishery patrol and several harbor authorities, mainly in the Baltic Sea region.