Northern Offshore Services has unveiled the new I-Class Crew Transfer Vessel powered by the first commercial application of Volvo Penta’s IPS Professional Platform. The vessel began operating in a UK wind farm on September 1, 2024. N-O-S and Volvo Penta collaborated for almost two decades on ongoing efforts to decarbonize the marine industry and reach zero emissions by 2050. To help achieve these goals, N-O-S designed the future-proof CTV that will adapt to and accommodate new technologies and energy solutions while it is in service over the next 25 years and more.
Volvo Penta’s IPS Professional Platform brings efficiency, maneuverability and versatility that will enable the I-Class vessel to transform over its life cycle. This is made possible through propulsion conversions that allow the vessel to adapt to hybrid, fully electric and renewable or future alternative fuel solutions without having to rebuild. The I-Class vessel is also equipped with a remote diagnostics package, which will capture more than 6,000 hours of data that will be incorporated into optimization and future Volvo Penta propulsion design.
“Northern Offshore Services and Volvo Penta share an innovative spirit that drives us both. Today that resulted in the first vessel powered by Volvo Penta’s IPS Professional Platform entering real-world commercial operations,” said Johan Inden, President of Volvo Penta Marine. “N-O-S’ deep experience in building vessels for some of the most demanding environments challenged us to develop new ways to improve our propulsion systems and adapt to emerging technologies. Together, we are showing the industry what the incredible maneuverability, ease of use and precision of the Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform can accomplish in combination with the expertise of a partner like N-O-S.”
In addition to the Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform’s flexibility to adapt to future technologies and energy solutions, it is designed for outstanding maneuverability. The enhanced maneuverability and thrust from the system make it ideal for the challenging conditions typically seen at offshore wind farms.
The I-Class vessel leverages four engines connected to two drives to meet specific needs at every stage of operation, providing dual power on demand. Eco Mode will automatically start or stop individual engines in each situation, optimizing fuel consumption and engine running hours.
Recognizing the challenging environment and long operations at sea, N-O-S designed the I-Class vessel with comfort in mind through high-quality interior outfitting and furnishing.
The Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform unlocks efficiency gains with available Internal Combustion Engine solutions leveraging alternative or renewable fuel sources. Equipped I-Class vessel engines could potentially see up to 30 percent total fuel savings and emissions through the Eco Mode feature. These engines are approved to run Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and have the potential to reduce emissions by up to 90 percent.
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