Volvo Penta has announced a Mediterranean tour to promote its inboard propulsion system (IPS), following two previous sea tours around the Baltic and English Channel regions.
The latest tour is focused on charting a new course through the Mediterranean, and began in mid-May from Majorca, Spain. A Volvo Penta IPS-powered vessel will cover 2,000 nautical miles, making eleven stops in five countries over the course of 38 days. During each stopover, Volvo Penta will host demonstrations and workshops to potential clients.
The Swedish propulsion manufacturer said the new tour was organised in order to "highlight the high-seas performance" of the company's IPS pod system in commercial marine applications, with the tour targeting passenger transport companies, pilot associations, government vessel operators and naval architects in particular.
According to Volvo Penta, the IPS system can offer improved performance and handling, a longer operating range, reduced noise and vibration, as well as reduced fuel costs, cutting consumption by up to 30 per cent. Additionally, IPS engines meet the requirements for EPA Tier 3 regulations.
The touring vessel in question is the 22-metre patrol boat 'PTA80'. Displacing 36 tonnes, the vessel is equipped with a type-approved twin IPS 900, which is powered by two D13-700 Rating 3 engines, each rated for 515kW, and driving two IPS 3 integrated pod units. Each pod unit also houses an integrated gearbox, exhaust system, rudder and steering machinery.
According to Volvo Penta, the vessel is one of the company's regular test boats, having conducted both of the previous IPS tours in 2011 and 2013, respectively. Her top speed is 27 knots.
Having completed stopovers in Spain, France, Corsica, Italy and Sicily in May, the vessel will complete the Balkan leg of the tour in June, visiting Montenegro and Croatia before returning to Italy, concluding the tour in Venice.