Volvo Penta has been awarded ‘Engine-Propulsion of the Year’ during the prestigious World Yachts Trophies 2016 ceremony at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Additionally, the company was also recognised in conjunction with Amer Yachts for the ‘Most Innovative Yacht’.
The awards were presented in front of more than 500 industry professionals and customers. The trophies reward the leading innovations in the luxury boating industry throughout the past year.
Johan Wästeräng, Volvo Penta’s Vice President of Marine Leisure Product Management, accepted the ‘Engine-Propulsion of the Year’ award.
“Innovation is in our DNA and we are very appreciative to have this recognition of Volvo Penta IPS,” he said. “It is testament to the research and development we continue to do with IPS and the way that the system is regarded as the ideal choice of propulsion system for an increasing number of marine applications.”
Perfect fit
Volvo Penta IPS was hailed as revolutionary when it was first launched in 2005, due to its forward-facing twin counter-rotating propellers, which sit below the hull in undisturbed water. Superior grip ensures better performance and fuel efficiency than traditional inboard shaft engine installations; and the individually steerable pods enable excellent maneuverability. Lower emissions and greater onboard space and comfort are also features of the system.
Earlier this year Volvo Penta extended the range to match it perfectly with its new 8-liter engine, to launch the D8-IPS700 and D8-IPS800. Volvo Penta IPS is available in twin, triple or quadruple installations.
Continued innovation in yachting
The internationally-renowned Cannes Yachting Festival saw hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their latest superyachts, luxury boats, and other high-end marine applications for a discerning leisure market. The World Yachts Trophies 2016, organized by Yachts France magazine, is an annual highlight of the festival and is preceded by a yacht parade and fireworks display in the stunning marina.
Amer Yachts was awarded the ‘Most Innovative Yacht’ trophy for the Amer 100, and Volvo Penta also received recognition for its collaboration with the boat-builder to create the largest superyacht in the world to be powered by Volvo Penta IPS. The 100ft yacht is equipped with four Volvo Penta IPS1050 drives and can exceed a speed of 28 knots.
Wästeräng said: “We are continuing to see IPS become an integral part of more and more yachts. We are proud of our latest collaboration on the Amer 100, which marks a turning point for in the use of IPS for yachts 100 feet and above.”
The Amer 100 is available in two models, Charter (for a commercial use of the yacht) and High Performance (for a leisure use of the boat), and has three decks and five en-suite cabins. Barbara Amerio, owner of Amer Yachts, said: “We have found that Volvo Penta IPS is revolutionary in the advantages it brings to the market. The award recognizes that a team works well when people share their nautical experiences and when the goal for everyone is to exceed previous results. We are very proud and delighted to win the award for Most Innovative Yacht, with the collaboration from Volvo Penta.”
