Volvo Penta announced in a statement that it will provide quad IPS propulsion systems for four offshore wind farm crew transfer vessels built for American Offshore Services (AOS).
The 30-meter (99-foot) twin-hull crew transfer vessels (CTVs), being built at Blount Boats in Warren, R.I. will be powered by four IPS900 propulsion drives, two in each hull.
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,” Jens Bering, vice president, marine sales, Volvo Penta of the Americas, said in a statement.
“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,” Bering added.
The propulsion system will include Volvo Penta’s GPS-based Dynamic Positioning System and integrated joystick controls. Subsystems will be connected by Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) data network.
The four CTVs will be delivered from Blount Boats’ Rhode Island shipyard in 2023 and 2024.
“The EPA IMO Tier 3 engines deliver low emissions and industry-leading fuel economy at all speeds, resulting in significant savings in operating costs,” said Bering.
James Clouse, CEO of AOS, said the decision to specify the Volvo Penta quad IPS was based in part on NOS’ experience with IPS-powered CTVs servicing wind farms in Europe. “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,” Clouse said.
The new CTVs will fully comply with Jones Act requirements which states that craft operating between U.S. ports and offshore platforms must be constructed in American shipyards and crewed by U.S. seafarers.
