Northern Offshore Services (N-O-S) has announced the debut of its new I-Class Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV), powered by the groundbreaking Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform, marking its first real-world commercial application. The vessel began operations at a UK wind farm on September 1, 2024. This milestone is the result of nearly two decades of collaboration between N-O-S and Volvo Penta, focused on decarbonizing the marine industry and achieving zero emissions by 2050. The I-Class CTV is designed to be flexible and future-proof, accommodating new energy solutions throughout its 25+ year service life.
Volvo Penta’s IPS Professional Platform offers improved efficiency, maneuverability, and versatility, enabling the I-Class vessel to adapt throughout its lifecycle. This platform allows for propulsion conversions, facilitating transitions to hybrid, fully electric, or alternative fuel systems without the need for a complete rebuild.
Johan Inden, President of Volvo Penta Marine, commented, “Northern Offshore Services and Volvo Penta share a commitment to innovation. Today, we’re showcasing the capabilities of the Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform in a real-world setting. Our partnership with N-O-S highlights the exceptional maneuverability, ease of use, and precision that this platform brings to challenging offshore environments.”
David Kristensson, Group CEO and Owner of Northern Offshore Group, added, “The offshore wind industry has seen significant growth over the past 15 years, with turbines becoming larger and located further offshore. This has increased the cost of downtime and heightened the demand for reliable services and vessels. Our in-house design and manufacturing are driven by these challenges and aim to meet future customer demands.”
Key features of the I-Class vessel include:
- Dual Power on Demand with Eco Mode: The vessel utilizes four engines connected to two drives, offering dual power on demand. The Eco Mode automatically adjusts engine operation based on real-time needs, optimizing fuel consumption and extending engine life.
- Comfort and Quality: Designed for extended sea operations, the I-Class vessel offers high-quality interior outfitting to ensure comfort for its crew.
- Fuel Efficiency: The vessel’s engines can achieve up to 30% fuel savings and reduced emissions through Eco Mode. They are also approved for running Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), potentially cutting emissions by up to 90%.
- Seamless Operation: The vessel features easy operation and maintenance, with a fully integrated helm-to-propeller system designed for optimal performance and operator ease.
The journey toward marine decarbonization demands innovative, adaptable solutions, including advanced vessel designs, renewable fuels, and hybrid/electric technologies. Volvo Penta and N-O-S are committed to enhancing maritime operations with improved comfort, efficiency, and performance. A second I-Class vessel, equipped with the Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform, is expected to enter real-world operation in early 2025.
