Volvo Penta Reveals New IMO III Solution for yachts

Fuel’s Errand

New IMO III emissions regulations, introduced for yachts, are a step forward towards increased sustainability. Volvo Penta reacts to this legislation by creating the reliable, fuel-efficient, and most compact IMO Tier III solution on the market. This system will make the transition to IMO III compliance smooth sailing, both for Volvo Penta IPS and traditional inboard shaft installations. 

Since January 2021, the IMO III NOx legislation that already applies to commercial vessels has been extended to marine leisure vessels above 24m load line length, that navigate in US waters, as well as the North and Baltic Seas. This legislation is centered around reducing emissions. To comply, these vessels now need to be fitted with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) after-treatment system. To support its yacht customers, Volvo Penta worked on an optimized solution that reduces emissions and increases fuel efficiency. This new solution – the D13 IPS1200-1350 and shaft installations – draws on experience from Volvo Penta’s commercial IMO III offering.

Based on extensively-tested Volvo Group technology, the solution has already proved itself in tough marine conditions, having undergone more than 65,000 hours of field-testing at sea. The system is built to handle high sulfur fuel (up to 1000 ppm) and cope with high back pressure while maintaining engine efficiency and drivability. And that’s not all…

Compact and flexible

Volvo Penta’s IMO Tier III solution is the most compact on the market – making the transition to IMO III compliance simple, both for Volvo Penta IPS and traditional inboard shaft installations. The compact design means that existing Volvo Penta IPS-powered yachts will be able to fit the system without engine room alterations. Furthermore, thanks to the patent-pending flexible and modular outlet, the SCR system can be installed in both a vertical and horizontal position, thus making it an even more versatile solution. 

Volvo Penta supplies a fully integrated system that is designed, developed, and manufactured by one company. So, customers can expect the same professional streamline aftermarket support that Volvo Penta is renowned for. The Volvo Penta SCR system does not require service, as it has the same life span as the engine it is coupled with.

Volvo Penta: Same or better fuel efficiency

Volvo Penta has been able to fulfill IMO III targets while reducing fuel consumption. Despite the SCR adding exhaust backpressure, the engine power output remains unchanged – ideal for leisure yachts.

Switch between EPA III and IMO III compliance

The Volvo Penta IMO III solution is designed to allow the user to switch between EPA III and IMO III compliance – ensuring flexibility when using the boat in regions with different emission legislations.

“We have gained a lot of experience during the years of designing after-treatment systems within the Volvo Group and for our industrial and Marine Commercial offerings,” says Björn Rönnvall, Product Manager, Marine Leisure, Volvo Penta. “This has enabled us to finetune the solution – extending its lifespan, maintaining and even bettering its fuel consumption, and delivering all this and more in a compact, flexible package. Ultimately, we want to make this transition as simple as possible for our marine #yacht customers – supporting them and the ocean environment we all love.”

This solution will be launched during the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival 2021 at the Volvo Penta stand: jetée sud 175. The new solution will be available for ordering in January 2022.