By: Scott Way
The company announced it has installed over 30,000 units since the Inboard Performance System (IPS) was first launched in 2005
Volvo Penta has announced they have supplied 30,000 Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) units since the product was first launched in 2005, a historic milestone in reducing environmental impact that stretches across the marine industry.
The IPS system provides a range of benefits to inboard users that vary depending on the installation. Compared to traditional inboard shaft installations, the IPS system 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
With the 30,000 unit benchmark now surpassed, and with each unit boasting a decrease of up to 30% in fuel consumption and a typical reduction of 15-20% (but up to 30%) in CO2, the total effect of reduced emissions generated by Volvo Penta IPS is a significant breakthrough for the industry.
According to Johan Inden, head of Volvo Penta's marine segment, “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. We strive to continue to improve today’s innovative technology, while in parallel explore future possibilities towards significantly reduced or zero emissions.”
This is not Volvo Penta's first environmental success in the marine industry, as the IPS system has proven to be remarkably efficient on vessels of all sizes. The large commercial 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 in 2016. In 2018, the Amer 84 superyacht saw a 45% reduction in fuel consumption during a 100-mile journey through the Mediterranean when compared to similarly sized yachts bearing traditional inboard shafts. The results were mainly generated by the Amer's lightweight design coupled with the compact Volvo Penta IPS system, which created a total weight savings to the yacht of 20 tonnes – the equivalent weight of an adult blue whale.
The next stage for Volvo Penta is to begin a remanufacturing process for existing IPS drivelines, thereby creating a circular economy that continues to generate reduced emissions and longer lifecycles for vessels utilizing IPS.
“Our Volvo Penta IPS range already offers a reduced impact on the environment, through its increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions,” says Inden. “Selecting a remanufactured IPS unit only enhances the sustainability of the full lifecycle of the boat, including maintenance and repair.”
Although the numbers are an industry first, according Volvo Penta’s environmental director Cecilia Gunnarsson more can still be done. “As we celebrate this milestone, we also remind ourselves that supporting our environment is a continuous commitment. 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.”
You can see a breakdown of how the innovative IPS system works in the video below:
