Volvo Penta IPS for wind farm vessels

Volvo Penta has announced a contract to provide its quad IPS propulsion systems for four new offshore wind farm crew transfer vessels (CTVs) that will be built at Blount Boats for American Offshore Services (AOS).

A rendering of one of four AOS wind farm crew transfer vessels that will incorporate Volvo Penta’s IPS propulsion system.

The new 30 m (99 ft.) twin-hull CTVs will be powered by four IPS900 propulsion drives, two in each hull. The fully integrated system is based on the Volvo Penta D13, an inline six-cylinder marine diesel engine with bore and stroke dimensions of 131 x 158 mm and an overall displacement of 12.8 L. The engine is teamed with a transmission and drive that incorporates twin counter-rotating propellers.

The IPS system will also include Volvo Penta’s GPS-based Dynamic Positioning System and integrated joystick controls, designed to allow for easy maneuverability even in strong currents and high wave conditions. All subsystems will be connected by Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) data network.

The four new CTVs will be delivered from the Rhode Island shipyard in 2023 and 2024. AOS has contracts to support four new wind farm construction projects on the U.S. East Coast. The CTVs will carry workers, equipment and spare parts to the wind turbines.

“The quad IPS configuration is ideally suited to the unique requirements for these highly specialized boats, providing a unique combination of high top speeds to minimize transit times, excellent slow-speed torque and superior grip when loading and unloading crew and gear at the turbines,” said Jens Bering, vice president, marine sales, Volvo Penta of the Americas. “The hull design and IPS drives will also provide a smooth and stable ride for passengers and crew under all sea conditions, an important consideration for workers’ productivity when they arrive at their worksite.”

AOS is a joint venture between Northern Offshore Services (NOS) in Sweden and SEA.O.G Offshore in the U.S. NOS has extensive experience as one of the largest CTV operators in northern Europe and the United Kingdom.

“The decision to specify the Volvo Penta quad IPS for these four newbuilds was based in part on NOS’ operational experience with IPS-powered CTVs servicing wind farms in Europe,” said James Clouse, CEO of AOS. “Proven reliability is an important concern for these hard-working service craft, and Volvo Penta’s reputation for dependable products is well known in the industry.”

“This contract to build four new CTVs is an important milestone for our company and validates our position as a pioneer and major supplier of CTVs to meet the growing demand for these specialized support craft for the burgeoning American offshore wind industry,” said Marcia Blount, president of Blount Boats, which built Atlantic Pioneer, the first CTV for the U.S. market, in 2016.

The new CTVs will fully comply with Jones Act requirements that craft operating between U.S. ports and offshore platforms must be constructed in American shipyards and crewed by U.S. seafarers.

Power Products Systems LLC, Volvo Penta’s Power Center for New England, will be responsible for local service and support for the project.