Suzuki Restructures For The Future

 

 

 

November 19, 2020

Brea, CA (November 19, 2020) – Executing a comprehensive plan to build a strong foundation for the future, Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. has announced it will restructure its operations in the United States. This new direction will reorganize the Suzuki Motorcycle/ATV and Marine Divisions into two separate companies set to begin operations on April 1, 2021. This new organization is designed to give both new companies the best opportunity to optimize their success in their respective industries. 

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. will be headquartered in Brea, California, Suzuki’s corporate home in the United States since 1981. Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. will be based in Tampa, Florida in the heart of the marine business in North America. Suzuki first entered the United States in 1963 and was originally based in Santa Ana, California before moving to its landmark, Pagoda-inspired building in Santa Fe Springs, California.

Satoshi Uchida will serve as Chairman and Masami Haga will serve as President of the new motorcycle/ATV company. Masahiro Yamamoto will serve as President of the new marine company. “Both the Motorcycle/ATV and Marine Divisions are enjoying solid success in their respective businesses,” said Uchida. “As we proceed in reorganizing into two separate companies, we look forward to the Suzuki brand continuing to thrive in the United States.” 

The primary goal of this reorganization is to strengthen each business. Key objectives are to achieve greater efficiencies, speed up decision-making, and position each company for increased sales and growth in the United States. 

The location of Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. in Tampa was strategically chosen to expand Suzuki’s business, improve collaboration within the marine industry, and strengthen its relationship with boat builders, dealers, and vendors. The Gulf Coast location also provides convenient access to Suzuki’s new Marine Technical Center opened in Panama City, Florida in June, 2020.

Yamaha Motor Europe intends to reinforce a cooperation with Fantic Motor

 

 

Yamaha Motor Europe intends to reinforce a cooperation with Fantic Motor, including transferring all issued shares of its group company Motori Minarelli to Fantic Motor

IWATA, October 8, 2020—Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. (hereinafter “YMENV”), a subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo:7272) that sells products in Europe, began consultations with the European Works Council (EWC) concerning its intent to transfer all issued shares of Motori Minarelli S.P.A. (hereinafter “MM”), a YMENV group company manufacturing motorcycle engines in Italy, to Fantic Motor S.P.A. (hereinafter “Fantic”) as part of ongoing work to strengthen business ties. YMENV also notified MM’s local works council of its intent on October 7 (local time).
 

Fantic manufactures and sells motorcycles and e-bikes in Italy, and has been a longtime business partner of MM . This transfer of issued shares is aimed at further strengthening the ties between Yamaha Motor and Fantic, and based on the consultation process with the EWC, the relevant contracts and paperwork for conducting the transfer to Fantic is scheduled to be complete within the year.
MM produces 80,000 motorcycle engines of 50 to 400 cm³ annually, and supplies engines to MBK Industrie S.A.S. (France)—Yamaha’s European motorcycle manufacturing subsidiary—and to other motorcycle manufacturers in Europe, including Fantic since 1970.

Suzuki DF30A is 1,000,000 outboard model produced in Thailand Suzuki Factory

 

Thai Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd. (Thai Suzuki), a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation for the production and sales of outboard motors and motorcycles in Thailand, has achieved accumulated outboard motor production of 1 million units on 6 November 2020.
 

Thai Suzuki, which started production of motorcycles in 1968 as Suzuki’s first motorcycle plant outside of Japan, started production of outboard motors in 1999. The company currently produces a total of 17 small outboard motor models, of which 12 four-stroke models ranging from 2 to 30 horsepower, and 5 two-stroke models ranging from 9.9 to 40 horsepower. Its destinations go beyond Thailand to countries throughout the world including Japan.
 

Global sales of Suzuki outboard motors from April to September 2020 steadily increased by 9% year-on-year, of which middle and large outboard motors (four-stroke models ranging from 40 to 350 horsepower) produced at the Kosai Plant of Japan increased by 12%, and small outboard motors produced at Thai Suzuki by 7% respectively^*.
 

Thai Suzuki achieved this milestone in 21 years and 1 month since starting production in 1999. Suzuki will make efficient production of outboard motors by utilizing both plants in Japan and Thailand to meet wide range of needs.

*Based on Suzuki research as of the end of September 2020

Candela is now the fastest-growing electric boat brand

 

 

 

Candela Speedboat

It's been little over a year since we started the serial production of the Seven electric hydrofoil, and Candela has gone from a small start-up to being the fastest-growing electric brand in Europe. In September alone we sold 10 boats, and we are continuing to see strong demand across all markets. Our next endeavour is launching the Seven on the US market, starting in San Francisco in early December.

While we have no definite data (despite researching the topic) on how big the electric boat market is, Candela is certainly one of the major players in Europe. With 16 resellers in 11 countries, we are expanding to new locations every month.  The order stock is filled well up into the second quarter of 2021, but don't worry - we're staffing up and there are still 2021 Edition Candela Sevens available for delivery next summer. To make it easier for you to decide colors and options, we have updated our site with a new configurator. Check it out at candelaspeedboat.com/order to decide how your dream edition of Candela Seven looks like.

Volvo Penta to accelerate sustainability ambitions

 

 

 

 

To boost investment in exploring sustainable technologies – in line with the Volvo Group’s sustainability aims – the company will focus on its inboard and sterndrive development transformation – with greater fuel efficiency and zero emissions through hybrid, electric, and renewable fuels being the new direction.

Earlier on the Volvo Group announced the ambition to be a net-zero emissions company by 2050, at the very latest. In order to be transparent on its progress, the company is now committing to the Science Based Targets initiative. Targets and roadmaps will be established during 2021. 

Setting an even more sustainable course
To support the Volvo Group’s sustainability goals, Volvo Penta has announced that it is to redirect further resources into accelerating its sustainability development, which is about reaching zero emissions – through fossil-free, renewable fuels, electric, hybrid technology – while continuing to provide innovative solutions to the marine industry.

 

 

 

“Volvo Penta welcomes this increased focus across the Volvo Group. We will support these objectives by intensifying our ongoing efforts and resources towards continued development of sustainable solutions,” states President of Volvo Penta, Heléne Mellquist. “This focus includes advancements of innovative solutions such as our unique Volvo Penta IPS and sterndrive ranges.” 

A better life on the waves
Another arena Volvo Penta continues to focus on is its Easy Boating philosophy and delivering a unique boating experience for today and tomorrow. The company will continue to transform the customer experience, both for today’s boater and a whole new generation to enjoy being on the water. This not only includes leveraging the benefits of sustainable technologies but also automation and connectivity to further enhance the unique Volvo Penta onboard experience. 

New prioritization in the portfolio
As a result of this accelerated transformation journey, the company will put its outboard development on hold.

Therefore, Volvo Penta will stop the sales and marketing of Seven Marine engines (from January 1st, 2021) – as well as phasing out production once customer demand is met. The company will, however, continue to support the current outboard customer base by taking full warranty and parts responsibility for the products that are in the field.

“We want to send a clear message,” says Mellquist. “Volvo Penta does foresee that the outboard segment will continue to be relevant for the Marine Leisure market, but we believe that the indisputable need to drive advancements in sustainable technology must be our main focus. This is why, for the time being, the exploration of new technology together with the development of our core business, such as Volvo Penta IPS and sterndrives, will be the center of our efforts.”

Mercury Marine includes Active Trim as a standard technology for all new outboard engines of 175HP and up

Mercury Marine is proud to make boating easier and more enjoyable for all new Mercury customers of outboard engines of 175HP and up, by including its exclusive Active Trim feature as a standard technology in the engine package with immediate effect.

After successfully adding Vessel View Mobile in the engine package of outboard engines of 80HP and up last year, Mercury Marine continues to offer more of its intelligent SmartCraft® integrated technologies as a standard exclusively to its customers.

Active Trim is an integrated GPS, speed-based automatic engine trim system from Mercury Marine.

This intuitive and hands-free system continually adjusts engine trim based on changes in boat speed to improve performance, fuel economy, and ease of operation.

It responds to boat manoeuvres with precision and delivers a better overall driving experience. As the boat accelerates, Active Trim automatically trims the engine out; as the boat decelerates (e.g. making a turn) the engine will trim in. No advanced knowledge is necessary.

The key to Active Trim is its integrated and patented GPS-based control system, which adjusts trim in accordance with boat speed and engine rpm.

Active Trim has delivered fuel savings of 14% to 54% over engines fully trimmed down in manual mode, while improving engine performance and durability.

“As a dedicated Marine company, we are committed to offer our customers the best possible experience on the water. Next to our leading engine technologies, Mercury is continuously developing unique and intelligent technologies to get the best performance out of your boat.” said Marty Bass, Mercury Marine EMEA president. “By including Active Trim now as a standard, we take another step to make a better boating experience even more accessible.”

Active Trim is part of the intelligent Mercury SmartCraft® suite of integrated technologies for a greater boating experience. Within the SmartCraft® family of technologies, VesselView Mobile has already been added as a standard technology in the engine package of Mercury SmartCraft® capable outboard engines of 80HP and up since October 2019.

 

Mercury Marine and Beneteau Strengthen Partnership to offer award-winning outboards to Global Customers

 

Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), has announced an expanded partnership with Beneteau on a global scale to leverage both companies’ leadership position and offer Beneteau customers Mercury power on 2021 models.  This announcement comes exactly two years to the day when Mercury Marine and Beneteau announced a partnership in North America. 

 

With this partnership, Beneteau customers will be able to take advantage of even more competitive, high performance and high-quality outboard boats and engine packages.  

 

“The relationship between Mercury and Beneteau has continued to grow over the past few years and we are excited to offer boaters on a larger scale the opportunity to experience what has already been successful in the United States – two of the most well-known brands in the marine industry working together on a superior boat and engine package,” said Marty Bass, Mercury Marine EMEA president.

 

“We are extremely happy to be able to extend our cooperation with Mercury Marine, offering our customers selected premium products to enhance our package performances,” said Luca Brancaleon, Groupe Beneteau Deputy General Manager - Brand and Product Strategy. “Demand for large outboards continues to grow and Mercury has proven to be a good partner to Beneteau in North America and we are confident that this success will be replicated in other regions.”

 

“I am very excited about the increased partnership with Mercury Marine and we look forward to a long and successful partnership,” said Yann Masselot, Beneteau Brand Director.

 

Customers can begin ordering Mercury outboards on Beneteau packages immediately and will be on display at upcoming European events.

 

MAN Energy Solutions to Lead Danish Consortium Developing Ammonia-Fuelled Engine for Maritime Sector

 

Innovation Fund Denmark supporting AEngine project that aims to deliver commercially viable, zero-carbon, two-stroke engine by 2024Innovation Fund Denmark, the Danish investment entity, has announced the establishment of a consortium to develop a two-stroke, ammonia-fueled engine for maritime shipping. 

It aims to specify and demonstrate an entire, marine-propulsion system that will pave the way for the first commercial order for an ammonia-fueled vessel.MAN Energy Solutions will lead the consortium that also numbers: Electronic FuelTech, the Danish fuel-system supplier; the Technical University of Denmark (DTU); and DNV GL, the leading classification society. 

Development of the engine is scheduled for 2024.Brian Østergaard Sørensen. Vice President, Head of Research & Development, Two-Stroke at MAN Energy Solutions, said: “MAN Energy Solutions has spoken in favor of a maritime energy transition in shipping for many years now and we understand the need to work with a wide group of industry partners to develop sustainable solutions. 

Ammonia is a fuel with a lot of potential and yet another, important step towards decarbonising the marine market. We already have a convincing track-record in developing engines running on alternative fuels – having developed the world’s first 2-stroke engines driven respectively by methanol, ethane and LPG – and have great expectations for this project.”  

Project aims

As a marine fuel, ammonia has the potential to decarbonise the marine industry. The project aims to demonstrate – at full-scale – a large marine engine running on ammonia at MAN Energy Solutions’ test facility, Research Center Copenhagen. The project comprises three main stages:

 1. Concept development and initial design of an ammonia engine.

 2. Design of an ammonia fuel-supply system. 

 3. Full-scale testing.

 

Why ammonia? 

Ammonia is interesting because it is an energy carrier that does not contain carbon, and whose combustion therefore does not produce CO2. Similarly, its production from electricity doesn’t require a carbon-based source, while its production is infinitely scalable.Since large quantities of ammonia are already transported around the world, it is a well-established commodity with some 120 ports globally currently involved in its import/export and some with storage facilities. Thus, using ammonia to power ships would be a natural step with infrastructure already in place.

 

AEngine roles

The AEngine project is adopting an interdisciplinary approach to cover the implications of using ammonia as fuel aboard a ship, as evidenced by its participants.  

MAN Energy Solutions is the worlds’ leading designer of low-speed engines for the propulsion of large merchant ships, and will act as project coordinator. It will integrate all developed technology into an ammonia propulsion-train and be responsible for fuel injection, the combustion system, and emission after-treatment technology, as well as all on-engine components. It will also be responsible for the test facility and engine testing. 

Eltronic FuelTech is a leader in the development, production, installation and maintenance of fuel equipment for high- and low-pressure solutions within the maritime industry. It will be responsible for the engine’s fuel-supply system, including the Fuel Valve Train and its integration with tanks, and purging and venting systems. Eltronic FuelTech will also supply the AEngine fuel-supply system and Fuel Valve Train to the test facility.

DTU is Denmark’s largest technical university and has a strong international reputation in relation to ammonia as engine fuel. More specifically, its Department of Chemical Engineering will be involved in investigating the chemistry of ammonia combustion and the formation of pollutants during combustion. Similarly, DTU Department of Mechanical Engineering will support the project by acting as a consultant and transferring its experience from small ammonia-engine research to a larger-scale, full-size marine engine

DNV-GL is a leading classification society. It will cover safety regulation for the use of ammonia aboard ships and act as consultant on questions where design decisions have an impact on safety.

EURONAVAL 2020 Exhibition goes online (19 - 25 Oct)

 

 

 By connecting to EURONAVAL-ONLINE you will be able to:

• VISIT THE ONLINE EXHIBITION and access the digital stands of the exhibitors to discover their news. See the list of exhibitors
• ORGANIZE YOUR BTOB MEETINGS in videoconference with exhibitors more details
• ATTENDING THE WORKSHOPS and online round tables in live consult the program
• WATCH THE VIDEO INTERVENTIONS of political and military personalities and in particular that of the Minister of Armed Forces on Monday, October 19 at 10am.
• FOLLOW OR REVIEW THE WEBCONFERENCES organized in partnership with the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) and supported by Lockheed Martin more details
• ATTEND THE SEANNOVATION PITCH SESSIONS AND THE LIVE ROUND TABLES. Thirty start-ups are expected on the SEAnnovation digital space to discover
• DISCOVER THE NEW SPACE “CYBER NAVAL HUB by FIC” which will present, online, the latest and most efficient solutions in the field of the protection of the digital systems of the naval defence. to discover

EURONAVAL Online exhibition is reserved for professionals and open also to students and learners over 18 years old. The access to Euronaval is free for visitors who processed to an online registration prior the fair.

HOURS
Monday October 19 to Sunday October 25, 2020: 9 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.

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If you have any questions regarding your registration, please contact us on visiteurs@sogena-events.com or by phone:
+33 1 56 59 15 19 / +33 1 56 59 15 09 / +33 1 56 59 15 21 / +33 1 56 59 15 06 / +33 1 56 59 15 07 / +33 1 56 59 15 10 / +33 1 56 59 15 03

MOI Composites Introduces the first 3D printed boat at Genoa boatshow ..

 

MAMBO (Motor Additive Manufacturing Boat) Commemorates a New Beacon for Boat Building with Design Innovation Award and Varo

(Milan, Italy Oct. 8, 2020) – What better way to announce to the world a revolutionary innovation than with a live demonstration of a real, functional 3D printed boat and varo, a ship launch ceremony. MAMBO, the world’s first 3D printed fiberglass boat, designed and 3D printed by Moi Composites (Moi), received its official inauguration in traditional Italian style and flair.

 

The varo featured Carla Demaria, CEO of I Saloni Nautici as the ceremony’s madrina and closed with the boat cruising in the water to celebrate its world premiere and most recent accolade, the Nautico 60 Design Innovation Award.

 

“The varo is always a great moment,” says Carla Demaria, “the one of this boat, ...is even greater. Two years ago, when I was UCINA - Confindustria Nautica’s president, I met Gabriele, Michele and professor Marinella Levi from Politecnico di Milano, which explained to us the idea of building a boat without models or molds from 3D printing. It sounded crazy and fascinating to us so we decided to help. We always have the feeling of teaching to younger generations, sometimes we learn.”

 

Professor Marinella Levi, co-founder of Moi quoted the famous Carlo Riva during the team’s presentation Sunday 4 October, ‘The Art of Making Impossible Vessels Possible’ and said, “the most important thing about boats is what you don't see, it's the materials.” And it is true, critical advancements in 3D printing today include the ability to print advanced materials, especially continuous fiber composites. “Continuous Fiber Manufacturing (CFM) technology can 3D print real products in impossible shapes. MAMBO’s material and design were carefully chosen to demonstrate the power of CFM technology. “We pushed on the organic shapes of the boat with every single curvature being impossible to manufacture until today” saied Michele Tonizzo, Moi’s Co-Founder and CTO.

According to Dr. Stefano Pagani Isnardi, Head of Department – Technical, Statistics, Research, Int’l Federations for Confindustria Nautica, the Italian Marine Industry Association, “Italian marine industry is the world's second largest, and it is appreciated in all the world for its combination of four elements: design, technology, artisanship, and innovation. A special thanks to the people that believe in innovation like yourself, seeing MAMBO at the boat show was emotional.”

 

Paying an ode to past centuries of boat craftsmanship and made-in-Italy heritage, MAMBO with its design and production methods, elevates hand-made work with modern, digitally-made process, bringing design concepts only dreamed of before to life. MAMBO symbolizes a beacon of the path untraveled, illuminating hope for a new era of design and manufacturing to follow, daring boat aficionados to truly build boats in their own way, as the same Carlo Riva mentioned earlier might have been very pleased to hear.

 

MAMBO received the 60 Salone Nautico Design Innovation Award thanks to Moi’s partnership with Autodesk, Catmarine, Confindustria Nautica, Mercury Marine, MICAD, Osculati, and Owens Corning. Each partner brought their specific expertise and industry skills and resources to realize the boat. Gabriele Todisco, CEO of Catmarine joined the project for the freedom the technology provides, liberating the composite material from molds. A value also shared by Francesco Fiorentino, Composites Specialist of Micad, which highlighted  that MAMBO’s hull is a concept explored by very few specialists due to its particular geometry. Alberto Emilio Osculati, Executive Director of Osculati praised the uniqueness and extreme customization of the project and Alessandro Conti, General Director of Brunswick Marine Italia concluded that the project was prestigious and stimulating in a field that doesn’t shine for it’s innovation and that this project can be a radical shift for the industry.

 

Moi expects to showcase MAMBO at other events around the world and plans to open order books for similar one-of-a-kind, custom 3D printed boats, working with interested boat builders, designers, brokers, owners/clientele, and other key stakeholders.

About Moi

Moi Composites (Moi) is a tech start-up that 3D prints custom, powerful products using robots and advanced composite materials. Free of molds and traditional design and time constraints, Moi’s patented process innovation can produce strong, lightweight, unique objects in incredible new shapes, sizes, & performances, cost effectively on demand. Founded in Milan, Italy 2018, as a spinoff of Politecnico di Milano University, Moi’s vision is advanced composites any time, any place, any shape. Moi won several prizes for its innovative technology, including the prestigious Italian “National Innovation Award” and the JEC Innovation Award, and has partners and early adopters in robotic automation and industries such as aerospace, energy, marine, and biomedical.

 

Boot Düsseldorf 2021 Water Sports from 23 to 31 January in 17 exhibition halls

 

The German Federal Government has decided that trade fair participants are generally considered business travelers with good cause to enter Germany. In addition, the current corona entry regulation of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (CoronaEinrVO) applies.

When entering Germany, trade fair exhibitors must submit a confirmation of participation from the trade fair organizer as proof. boot exhibitors have received an admission document which they can download from the Online Order System (OOS).

Visitors to the trade fair must present their admission ticket to boot and also an appointment for a business meeting with at least one exhibitor. This regulation applies with immediate effect and without exception to all trade fair participants from countries that are currently not included in the German positive list or are included under conditions on the German positive list. Further information on this subject can be found in the FAQ of the Federal Ministry of the Interior under the question "Which skilled and highly qualified foreign workers are permitted to enter Germany from a non-European foreign country?":

https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/faqs/EN/topics/civil-protection/coronavirus/travel-restrictions-border-control/travel-restriction-border-control-list.html#f14314972

According to the current status of the CoronaEinrVO of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia dated October 7, 2020, people entering Germany from risk areas must present a negative corona test, which was carried out no more than 48 hours before entering the Federal Republic of Germany. Decisive for the beginning of the 48-hour period is the time at which the test result is determined. The test result or the medical certificate must be kept for at least 14 days after entry. Please note that due to the dynamic development the situation may change at any time.

"boot Düsseldorf 2021 is very well positioned. The manufacturers of boats and yachts have almost uniformly announced their participation. Halls 1 to 6, 9 and 10 as well as 15 to 17 are already very well booked at this stage. We will have all the major global players in the sailing and motor yacht sector as well as the superboat and luxury yacht area on board again. The European shipyards are convinced of the great necessity of boat shows and have told us in many conversations that the boatbuilding industry would not survive without boat shows. They are the elixir of life of the entire water sports community", explains boot director Petros Michelidakis.

In addition to the boat suppliers, the manufacturers of engines - combustion and electric drives (Halls 9 and 10) - will be fully represented. Surf sports hall 8a will once again show itself as a highly professional trendsetter in the sector. Behind the colourful and cool presentation is a hard work, inventive talent and innovative technology. Among other things, the latest developments in the in-sports "Wing Surfing" will be on display here. "And we are delighted to have a very special highlight ready for the large diving community. 42 years ago, the first diving tower stood on boot Düsseldorf. In 2021, it will be replaced by a new, high tower that can be seen from all sides. The dives will be visualised even better and visitors will have a great view of the athletes. We have already planned many exciting demonstrations there", says Michelidakis with a view to the diving enthusiasts and adds: "Even if the travel industry suffers from the effects of the crisis, we will be able to present a varied and attractive range of offers in 2021". In addition, leading international charter operators and houseboat hirers are again on board, as these safe forms of holiday are currently in great demand.

Also ready to start is the extensive program of participation in the popular water sports: surfing on the "WAVE", SUPen on the Flatwater pool, sailing in the Sailing Center, paddling on the canoeing track, sport fishing on the fishing pond or diving in the new diving tower. Water sports enthusiasts come at their expense on boot in the bleak Central European January. The diverse stage programs with expert tips are worthwhile for both beginners and experienced skippers.

Messe Düsseldorf is also relying on its proven "PROTaction" safety system at boot Düsseldorf. The campaign for the implementation of the hygiene and infection protection rules has already proven at this year's CARAVAN SALON DÜSSELDORF that trade fairs for mobile leisure time can be successfully held under the special conditions http://bit.ly/PROTaction.

A win for customers and the environment as Volvo Penta hits 30,000 IPS installations

Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) units deliver a unique user experience with up to 30% reduced fuel consumption and 30% less CO2 emissions compared to traditional inboard shafts. The company has now supplied 30,000 Volvo Penta IPS solutions across the marine sectors.

 

 

Environmental care has been a core value at Volvo Penta since 1972 and part of the company’s work continues to be achieving high energy efficiency and reduced emissions across its product range. Volvo Penta’s vision is to be the world leader in sustainable power solutions. Across its marine offerings, it aims to deliver sustainable solutions that provide an unique and integrated experience. Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) is one example of a technology that takes a confident step forward in increasing efficiency and reducing emissions, while also continuing to improve product performance. The IPS provides an unrivaled experience – with advanced maneuverability and performance, easy maintenance and serviceability, and is able to deliver new levels of onboard comfort. The company has now sold 30,000 Volvo Penta IPS solutions across the marine sectors.

Turning propulsion around
Volvo Penta IPS was a revolution in marine technology when it was first launched to the Marine Leisure sector, in 2005. The system’s innovative and unique design has forward-facing, twin counter-rotating propellers that sit below the hull for incredible ‘grip’ of the water. Individually steerable IPS drives are linked to the onboard Joystick Docking function. The joystick makes docking – which is considered one of the most stressful aspects of boating – easier. Volvo Penta IPS provides a range of benefits that vary depending on the type of installation. When compared to traditional inboard shaft installations Volvo Penta IPS provides:

• 40% longer cruising range
• 20% higher top speed
• Up to 30% reduced fuel consumption
• Up to 30% less CO₂ emissions
• 50% lower perceived noise
• More onboard space

Better for the environment. Better for customer.
Increasing the use of Volvo Penta IPS for Marine Commercial use was one of the company’s commitments to the WWF Climate Saver program – which it has been a part of since 2014. With 30,000 IPS units installed, all with a decrease of up to 30% in fuel consumption and a typical reduction of 15-20% – sometimes up to 30% – of CO_2, one can imagine the savings in CO₂ emissions that Volvo Penta IPS has helped realize.

“Finding ways to reduce fuel consumption and emissions has been an objective of ours for many years and is as a priority across our product range,” explains Johan Inden, head of Volvo Penta’s marine segment. “We strive to continue to improve today’s innovative technology, while in parallel explore future possibilities towards significantly reduced or zero emissions.”

Significant reductions – the numbers behind the claims
The introduction of Volvo Penta IPS into the Marine Commercial segment in 2005 was a major milestone for the company along its WWF Climate Savers journey. In just one example, eight Njord Offshore vessels, powered by Volvo Penta IPS, saved on average a total of 20% in fuel and 8,375 tons of CO₂, over 250,000 hours of operation. Additionally, the system’s superior maneuverability is a huge advantage when docking offshore in harsh conditions.

Volvo Penta has seen similar successes in the marine leisure sector. Take the Amer 94 superyacht, for example. In a controlled 100-mile journey through the Mediterranean, this vessel saw a 45 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to similarly-sized yachts fitted with traditional inboard shaft installation. This remarkable result was due to the craft’s lightweight design and the fitment of efficient and compact Volvo Penta IPS, which together slash the weight of the yacht by 20 tonnes – the weight of four elephants.

Furthermore, Volvo Penta has started to incorporate a circular economy approach when it comes to manufacturing – by giving a new life to IPS drivelines through remanufacturing.

“Our Volvo Penta IPS range already offers a reduced impact on the environment, through its increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions,” says Johan. “Selecting a remanufactured IPS unit only enhances the sustainability of the full lifecycle of the boat, including maintenance and repair.”

Room for improvement
Although the numbers are good, Volvo Penta’s Environmental Director, Cecilia Gunnarsson knows more can still be done.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we also remind ourselves that supporting our environment is a continuous commitment,” says Cecilia. “This is why we have worked to make our systems compatible with renewable fuels such as HVO. Additionally, we have our IMO III package for IPS, for the marine sector, which meets the strictest global emission standards.”