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[ TECHNOLOGY ]
NEW FRONTIERS The first step has been taken. Volvo Penta is aiming high with its newest and most powerful propulsion system, targeting the bigger end of the yacht market by Paola Bertelli
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Amer Yachts was the first yard to put a quad IPS on a yacht of over 90’. In the photo: the Amer 110 Unique which sports the IPS 1200 set-up
T
he superyacht world is the new reality for Volvo Penta which
major plus aboard where every last extra centimetre is precious.
is currently courting the big boats with the new D13-IPS1350,
Designed for boats of 10 to 15 metres in length, the IPS gradually
opening up exciting horizons brimming with potential in the
and inexorably carved out its market stake. Today, it is being used
process. The D13-IPS 1350 is actually an integrated package
on over 20,000 vessels built by around 550 international yards.
that combines the new D13 engine with the new-generation IPS.
However, at last September’s Cannes Yachting Festival, it was
The latter pod system has been a talking point for quite some
also spied aboard a superyacht, the 110’ Unique, a custom-built
years now. When Volvo launched it on the market in 2005,
Amer Yachts craft powered by a quadruple Volvo Penta IPS 1200
its independent forward-facing, counter-rotating propellers
set-up. “We were the first yard to adopt the IPS in the 90 foot-
revolutionised yacht propulsion as it had clear advantages over
plus segment and then subsequently on vessels such as the Amer
conventional straight shaft systems. Superior manoeuvrability,
110,” Amer Yachts owner Barbara Amerio told us. “These engine
excellent fuel efficiency, improved performance, lower emissions
assemblies are so easy to install they really do open up different
and noise levels, and, of course, a compact, space-saving layout – a
timescales, much closer to the launch. It even makes we can 135
[ TECHNOLOGY ]
The D13-IPS1350 combines the new-gen IPS pod with the D131000 engine. Available as a twin, triple or quad set-up with the latter unleashing a massive 5,400 hp
was awarded the ‘Engine-Propulsion of the Year’ title. Even a cursory glance at the technical specs of the new D13IPS 1350 reveals it will do the job very nicely for superyachts of up to 120’. Twin, triple and quadruple set-ups are available with the latter of these unleashing the equivalent of 5400 hp which, according to Volvo Penta’s technicians, will easily put a 36-metre superyacht on plane. On top of all that, Volvo Penta has radically redesigned its 13-litre engine model and drivetrain. This overhaul produced the likes of new pistons, high-efficiency injectors and improved cooling systems, which add up to an 11 per cent power boost compared to the previous iteration. The D13-1000’s optimised power-to-weight ratio work better and more easily in engine room. Volvo Penta also
and excellent low-end torque deliver incredible power on
provides an integrated electronics system, intruders, electric
demand too. “The philosophy we have at Volvo Penta,” says
fins, pods and engines. Dealing with just one company is a
Stefan Carlsson, head of Volvo Penta’s Marine Diesel segment,
major advantage for us into the bargain.”
“is to look to the future and that is an attitude shared by our
The Amer-Volvo Penta partnership is a solid one. In 2016, the
customers. We have state-of-the-art technology. Our IPS system
companies received joint plaudits for the Amer Cento, which
is an exceptional achievement. To be powering superyachts with
was named ‘Most Innovative Yacht’ while Volvo Penta’s IPS
IPS opens up a new era in yachting.” www.volvopenta.com
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