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FROM POWER TO SUPERPOWER - VOLVO PENTA INTRODUCES ALL-NEW IPS PROFESSIONAL PLATFORM 

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At Volvo Penta, we aim to lead the marine industry with premium, sustainable solutions – for today and tomorrow.

Introducing the new Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) professional platform – the next evolution in our fully integrated helm-to-propeller experience. Targeted for 2025, this groundbreaking innovation offers unparalleled comfort, performance, and sustainability for a new class of marine vessels.

Building upon the revolutionary efficiency of Volvo Penta IPS, this new platform promises a powerful and flexible solution for professional vessels and superyachts from 25 to 55+ meters with top speed from 12-40 knots. The new, larger and versatile Volvo Penta IPS propulsion package is a true piece of state-of-the-art engineering – prepared for a range of energy sources, while also featuring a new level of premium support and innovative features.

“Our passion, experience and history of proven results with Volvo Penta IPS are an integral part of our ongoing technology development – with the aim to reach new heights with this new professional platform,” says Johan Inden, president of Volvo Penta’s marine business. “A new star is emerging in our range, where we are looking forward to delivering our trademark helm-to-propeller experience to a whole new class of vessels. It is designed to improve on our own high standards - with world class performance, efficiency, flexibility – and a people first approach in mind.”

The future is flexible

The Volvo Penta IPS professional platform introduces a brand-new premium level of sustainable experience. It features the largest and most powerful platform in the Volvo Penta IPS range - including a new, larger marine drive, Volvo Penta IPS 40. The new drive is designed with a pioneering dual power input concept, which manages the power to the water in the most efficient way, but also acts an important enabler to utilize different combinations of energy sources.

Starting series production in 2025, the new Volvo Penta IPS 40 drive will be powered by two Volvo Penta D13 engines, paired with a compact after treatment system to comply with the latest IMO Tier III standards. But, the platform is already prepared for a mix of power sources; from combustion engines running on renewable fuels to fully electric or hybrid solutions. The dual power input design offers flexibility and modularity on the journey towards increased sustainability. The new Volvo Penta IPS professional platform is installed as twin, triple or quad, meaning each vessel will have from 4 to 8 power sources. The complete package from helm to propeller is designed, verified and serviced by one integrator - Volvo Penta.

Providing world-class performance

Volvo Penta IPS has provided a unique and unrivaled experience to a wide range of recreational and professional vessels – with close to 20 years of proven use and over 36,000 units delivered. The system’s unrivaled maneuverability and forward-facing propulsion has delivered outstanding

efficiency gains, resulting in up to 40% longer cruising range, 20% higher top speed and faster acceleration – compared to a traditional inboard shaft installation. The new Volvo Penta IPS professional platform builds on this legacy and continues to push the boundaries of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability even further - now to a new class of vessels.

Unrivaled levels of comfort

The propulsion package is compact and positioned far aft. This creates increased space onboard for relaxation, productivity, crew and cargo. Thanks to the through-hull suspension design and integrated exhaust system, the platform delivers premium onboard comfort by ensuring low noise and vibration levels. Volvo Penta IPS provides up to a 50% reduction in perceived noise.

Meeting the demands of professional vessels

The new Volvo Penta IPS professional platform is type approved and designed for heavy-duty commercial applications. It is expected to deliver up to 30% savings in fuel consumption and emissions compared to a traditional inboard shaft installation. Through a new efficiency-driven feature, the system can automatically start and stop individual engines based on power needed for each given situation, optimizing fuel consumption and engine running hours, leading to extended service and maintenance intervals.

The ultimate in uptime

The professional Volvo Penta IPS experience includes an enhanced level of premium service and support – from helm to propeller. Backed by its worldwide authorized service network, Volvo Penta will offer global parts availability and 24/7 customer support. Advanced connectivity will enable predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics and remote software download, all contributing to the premium level support and increased uptime.

“This new Volvo Penta IPS platform has the same performance traits that have delivered a premium solution for countless vessels and now it will provide a smoother on-water experience for the professional and superyacht segments,” Johan says. “Now an entirely new group of owners and marine professionals can benefit from the most fully integrated system on the market that really brings new levels of performance, efficiency and reliability.”

Testing for Excellence: Next steps towards delivery in 2025

Volvo Penta is carrying out in-house development to ensure thorough in-water testing using its own passenger high-speed ferry test boat, strategically located near its marine test facility in Gothenburg, Sweden. Rigorous testing is in progress to ensure the durability and performance of the propulsion package, with field tests in an offshore-energy crew transfer vessel serving as the subsequent phase leading up to the anticipated 2025 delivery.

“The new Volvo Penta IPS is a powerful platform that will provide the ultimate helm-to-propeller experience. It builds on a rich tradition of forward-thinking Volvo Penta design that puts people at the heart,” Johan says. “We are eager to expand this platform to a whole new class of professional marine segments, while at the same time, enabling the move toward increased sustainability at sea.

It is an exciting time for the marine industry, and we believe our new Volvo Penta IPS professional platform will be the next game-changer.”

Boats in the Water

Experience & Innovation: ZF Offers Unmatched Manoeuvrability with New Electronic Control System TotalCommand

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  • ZF brings industry-leading shifting performance and manoeuvring to wide range of recreational and professional vessels

  • Modular layout: TotalCommand can be customized for any vessel and application

  • Plug-and-play architecture facilitates vessel integration and reduces installation times

Friedrichshafen / Cannes. With TotalCommand, ZF brings a brand-new marine control system to market that offers unrivalled cruising and manoeuvrability performance for a wide range of recreational and professional vessels. With an elegant Italian design aimed at maximized user-friendliness, it allows the captain to control the vessel’s main propulsion system in a precise, efficient, and easy way. TotalCommand will be introduced during the 2021 Cannes International Boat Show.

 

ZF is leveraging more than sixty years of experience in designing maritime control systems with TotalCommand, a brand-new industry-leading electronic control technology. TotalCommand is fully compatible with ZF’s latest transmission shifting technology, therefore providing unmatchable clutch responsiveness, optimized control of proportional valves, and adaptive gear engagement. “At ZF, we have spent great effort to make TotalCommand the one-fits-all manoeuvring solution for a variety of professional and recreational vessels,” explains Federico Decio, Managing Director ZF Padova S.r.l, Head of Product Line Pleasure Craft. This approach not only includes its modular layout that allows adding up to six control stations and up to six drivelines, but also extends to its overall style by famed Italian designers Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro, which lets TotalCommand neatly blend into the most elegant of cockpits.

Combining control with comfort

ZF has developed TotalCommand as the new benchmark in responsiveness, intuitiveness, and adaptability. It starts with its “one button, one function” approach to operation, then continues to its modular layout, which allows up to six control heads and options like joystick manoeuvring system JMS, the automatic positioning system iAnchor or the drift speed and heading control iDrift – to be integrated into the console. All system parameters can be configured from the bridge, including the option to automatically maintain the same speed on multiple engines, improving operating efficiency, fuel economy, noise, and vibration, with all engines and transmissions coming under the control of one lever. Additionally, TotalCommand provides detailed telematics data regarding temperature, pressure, and output speed, giving the captain an extensive overview of the propulsion system's health. “All in all, TotalCommand brings you complete control of your ship’s thrust and manoeuvring”, says Mr. Decio.

For manufacturers and designers, ZF has implemented a plug-and-play architecture. With fewer harnesses and the option for a transmission-mounted processor, installation time is reduced considerably. TotalCommand is future-proofed by being Wi-Fi ready – allowing electronic manuals, diagnostic and maintenance data available via smartphone. As it is standard for ZF’s marine technology, the system is rigorously tested to the highest industry standards and developed according to rules of classification societies such as AMSA, Maritime NZ, ABS, DNV, Lloyds, USCG, ABYC and more.

TotalCommand will celebrate its public premiere during 2021 Cannes International Boat Show.

BH Global Successfully Delivered Singapore’s first hybrid-powered ship– the “Penguin Tenaga”

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Further to our press release on 11 February 2020 on the signing of MoU with several strategic partners, BH Global Corporation Ltd, is pleased to announce the successful delivery of Singapore’s first hybrid-powered ship – the “Penguin Tenaga”.

Together with our project partners, Penguin International Limited, Danfoss Power Solutions Pte Ltd, Durapower Technology (Singapore) Pte Ltd, ZF Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. and Bureau Veritas (BV), this landmark shipbuilding project epitomises the cooperative ‘can-do’ spirit among like-minded innovators working together towards Singapore’s future environmental sustainability.

Built, owned and operated by Penguin, the 15-metre aluminium monohull ship is Singapore’s first hybrid-powered ship with BV’s ZE (Zero Emission) class notation. The launch and commissioning of the “Penguin Tenaga” signifies the first step towards electrification of maritime vessels operating in Singapore waters.

 

The on-board electric-hybrid propulsion system supplied by BH Global’s subsidiary, Sea Forrest Power Solutions Pte Ltd, was designed for ease-of-use, with an ergonomic graphic user interface and a feature that automatically switches the propulsion mode from diesel to hybrid to pure electric.

Significantly, the vessel is capable of running on pure battery mode at 5 knots for more than 30 minutes. The “Penguin Tenaga” will shortly be deployed to Pulau Bukom to join Penguin’s fleet of workboats that are supporting Shell’s island refinery operations.

 

“The success of the “Penguin Tenaga” is a major milestone for BH Global and its strategic partners. We have embarked on this journey in support of Singapore’s Sustainability and Environmental goals, in which we took the lead for the joint design, development, and construction of Singapore’s first hybrid-powered vessel.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted an initial strategy to reduce, by 2050, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from shipping operations from 2008 levels by 50%. Singapore also pledged to reduce, by 2030, GHG emissions from 2005 levels by 36%. We will continue working towards our goal of providing solutions to lower emission footprint for coastal vessel owners and operators in Singapore and the regional waters.” said Vincent Lim, Chairman of BH Global.

Penguin’s Managing Director, Mr James Tham said, “It is especially heartening to work with fellow homegrown companies like BH Global and Sea Forrest to deliver Singapore’s first hybrid-powered ship.”

 

“Sea Forrest is a truly competent and creative provider of hybrid solutions, ranging from hardware to software.” Mr Tham added.

 

Understanding the importance of sustainability and environmental targets coupled with the extensive technical knowhow and experience learnt from this maiden project, Sea Forrest is working towards the vision of contributing to Zero Emission targets. Building on the success of the “Penguin Tenaga”, Sea Forrest is developing a “Full Electric Ready” system that will enable electric-hybrid vessels to transform into pure electric vessels with minimal modifications in the future. Sea Forrest is also trialling a plug-and-play quick-charging system capable of charging multiple vessels simultaneously rapidly.

“We aim to achieve a complete eco-system for Singapore’s electric-hybrid and pure electric propulsion systems, ranging from shore chargers to on-board systems.” said Mr George Lee, CEO of Sea Forrest.

“Electrifying harbour craft vessels operating in and around Singapore waters will significantly help to reduce Singapore’s emissions footprint. Equipped with the technical knowhow and relevant experience, BH Global, together with our subsidiary Sea Forrest, will endeavour to participate in and contribute towards realising this national vision.” Mr Vincent Lim added.

Sea Forrest will continue to spearhead further collaboration with owners, operators, suppliers and the authorities and drive initiatives towards the electrification and digitalisation of vessel operations. The Sea Forrest Marine Electric Integration Centre (MEIC) – a Complete System Verification Facility launched in 2019, provides research and development, with Testing and Certification capabilities, to customise Hybrid/Full electrification designs for a wide range of marine vessel types.

BH Global Corporation Ltd is an established group providing solutions internationally through five key divisions: Electrical and Technical Supply, Green LED Lighting, Integration Engineering, Cyber Security and Infrared Thermal Sensing Technology.

The Group is focused on continual transformation through sustainable Digitalization, Electrification and Environmental initiatives.

Sea Forrest Power Solutions Pte Ltd, an 80%-owned subsidiary of BH Global, from the Integrated Engineering Division, focuses on driving the growth of Marine Electrification business by providing electrification solutions coupled with increased efficiency of electrification process – lower turnaround time which is crucial for the mass deployment of electrification technology on vessels.

Penguin International is a Singaporean homegrown, publicly listed designer, builder, owner and operator of aluminium high-speed crafts. Through a group of wholly owned, integrated subsidiaries, Penguin International operates a fleet of crewboats and passenger ferries, as well as shipyards in Singapore and Batam, Indonesia. Penguin International serves customers worldwide.

Since 1995, Penguin International has delivered more than 200 aluminium workboats, patrol crafts and passenger ferries to ship owners around the world, including over 150 of its proprietary-designed Flex offshore crewboats and armoured security boats.

GLOW MARINE SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED KAI SHIUAN 8 
AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

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In the wake of the current Covid 19 pandemic affecting economies across all industries and experiencing sharp lockdown globally, Singapore is not spared the impact of the pandemic. 

With the implementation of stringent corona virus measures, the Singapore Government has responded strongly to contain the outbreak positively and progressively workers were allowed to resume work in most sectors.

Glow Marine Pte Ltd (GlowMarine), a privately owned enterprise has successfully launched a 42.30metre Aluminium Catamaran amid this pandemic at Marinteknik Shipbuilders in Jurong, Singapore in April 2021.

The new Twin-Deck vessel was named KAI SHIUAN 8 during a traditional blessing of Chinese prayer offering.

KAI SHIUAN 8 is designed and built to the requirements of Bureau Veritas and Taiwan CR Classification Society and comply with IMO International Code of Safety for HighSpeed Craft.  KAI SHIUAN 8 will be delivered to her Taiwanese owner in Taiwan, the passenger vessel will be deployed for inter-island ferry services plying along the routes along the coastal waters in Taiwan.

The 10.30metre body width Catamaran has a capacity of 388 passengers, furnished with leather seating ensuring optimum comfort and safety for onboard passengers and other feature for wheelchair-bound travellers.

The propulsion system comprised of 4 units MTU 12V2000M86 main engines empowering 4 units Kamewa 56-4 waterjets via 4 units ZF3050 gearboxes and is capable of a speed in excess of 38knots during sea trial.

Mr Patrick Han, Asst Director, Economic Division, from Taipei Representative Office in Singapore, toured the vessel with his entourage.

The meeting with the visitors was positive and encouraging. Prior to this present project,  GlowMarine has delivered a 42.30metre Catamaran in year 2017 and another 41.0metre Mono Hull in 2018 to their owner in Taiwan.

 Mr Alan Chang, Executive Director, GlowMarine, said, “With today’s market condition, GlowMarine has plan to embark on an expansion programme and widen the scope of its activities while responsive to the market.”

GloMarine services include: Design; Build and Management.

DESIGN:

To provide design consultancy with proposed design concepts tailored to each individual client’s requirements based on proven designs.

BUILD:

To construct vessels in the most innovative, economic ways and in friendly locations.

MANAGEMENT:

To provide the owners with consultancy on the entire range of Project and Fleet

Management.

Glow Marine Pte Ltd was established as a “One Stop Marine Solution Provider “. The Company has deep and wide experience in design, project management, fabrication and ship operation. These capabilities enable the company to swiftly assess and complete all complex projects and adapt to any prevailing market situations.

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