Orders for small craft propulsion pods
Baltic Workboats' new offering will be designed around a Volvo Penta twin IPS1050 package
Volvo Penta of Sweden reports that shipyard Baltic Workboats has signed a contract for the design and build of a 16m fast pilot boat equipped with twin IPS1050 units.
This largest version of the IPS podded propulsion system, matched with the D13 diesel engine, has only recently been introduced, but the Volvo Penta says that the orders for this powerful drive system are already coming in.
The latest contract, from Baltic Workboats, is for a new type of fast workboat of aluminium construction. The yard intends to design a completely new hull optimised for the IPS system.
The new boats will be launched during 2011 and the first will be operatd by Estonian customer Eesti Loots.
With twin IPS1050 packages, each rated at 588kW (800 bhp), the new boat is expected to reach a top speed well above 30 knots.
"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, said Gerard Törneman, head of Volvo Penta marine commercial product planning.
Baltic Workboats is described as a growing company that manages entire production process from design to launch. It has built more than 100 different sized vessels for pilots, coast guards, police, fishery patrol and several harbours. Nearly all the customers have been from Baltic Sea countries.
Technical data in brief:
Model designation: Volvo Penta IPS1050
Cylinder volume: 12.8 litres
Engine type: In-line 6-cylinder
Crankshaft power: 800 hp (588 kW) at 2300 rpm
Turbo system: Dual-stage turbo charging
Emissions: Satisfies EU RCD and US EPA Tier 2
Speed range: About 28 to 40 knots
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