Volvo Penta IPS Sea Show Sets Sail

After two sea tours to promote its inboard propulsion system, the latest Volvo Penta IPS trip will chart a new course through the Mediterranean starting May 5 in Palma, Majorca.  

To highlight the high-seas performance of the Volvo Penta IPS high-performance pod system in marine commercial applications, the company is embarking on another demonstration tour. Following two successful promotional trips — taking on the Baltic Sea in 2011 and the English Channel in 2013 — a Volvo Penta IPS-equipped vessel will tour the Mediterranean this spring, covering 2,000 nautical miles and making 11 stops in five countries over the course of 38 days. During each stopover, the Volvo Penta team will host potential customers at 18 clinics.

The purpose of the trip is to promote the advantages of Volvo Penta IPS to potential customers — particularly passenger transport companies, pilot associations, other fleet owners, governmental bodies and boat designers. Superior to inboard shafts in most respects, Volvo Penta IPS offers users excellent performance and handling, longer operating range, and reduced noise and vibration. Fuel costs are also cut by up to 30%.

The vessel, which departs Palma, Majorca on May 5, is the 22-meter PTA80 patrol boat. It is equipped with a fully type-approved (according to DNV HSLC) twin IPS 900, which is based on two D13-700 Rating 3 engines (515 kW each with a total propulsion power of 1030 kW) and two IPS 3 fully integrated pod units (with gearbox, exhaust system, rudder and steering machinery).

The boat is no stranger to being put through her paces — not only is she one of Volvo Penta’s regular test boats; she also made both previous trips in 2011 and 2013. With a displacement of 36 tons, the PTA80 has a top speed of 27 knots.