Northern Offshore Services Launches First I-Class CTV with Volvo Penta Propulsion System

September 4, 2024, by Adnan Memija

Northern Offshore Services (N-O-S) has launched Impresser, the first of its I-class crew transfer vessels (CTVs) and the first commercial ship to be equipped with Volvo Penta’s IPS Professional Platform.

The 34-metre-long CTV began operating in a UK offshore wind farm on September 1.

Volvo Penta’s IPS Professional Platform is said to enhance the efficiency, maneuverability, and versatility of the I-class vessel, allowing it to transform throughout its lifecycle. This is achieved through propulsion conversions that enable the vessel to adapt to hybrid, fully electric, renewable, or future alternative fuel solutions without having to rebuild.

The CTV is also equipped with a remote diagnostics package, which will capture more than 6,000 hours of data that will be incorporated into optimisation and future Volvo Penta propulsion design, the companies said.

In addition to the Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform, the vessel was also designed for “outstanding” maneuverability and features twin forward-facing counter-rotating propellers that push water directly backward, creating a powerful thrust while reducing torque to enable more precise control over the I-class vessel.

By combining the omnidirectional propulsion system and the N-O-S High Grip Fender, operators can fully take advantage of the I-class vessel to make safe journeys to further wind farms and safely offload and board technicians in any sea conditions, according to the press release.

Other benefits of the new propulsion system include dual power on demand with Eco Mode, said the company.

The I-class CTV utilises four engines linked to two drives to address varying operational needs, providing dual power on demand.

The Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform’s Eco Mode automatically manages and optimises engine use based on real-time needs during vessel operation. Eco Mode will automatically start or stop individual engines in each situation, optimising fuel consumption and engine running hours.

Volvo Penta’s platform is said to offer immediate efficiency improvements with Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) solutions that use alternative or renewable fuel sources.

Engines equipped on the I-class CTVs could achieve up to 30 per cent in savings in fuel and emissions thanks to the Eco Mode feature. These engines are also approved to run Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and have the potential to reduce emissions by up to 90 per cent.

In May last year, N-O-S ordered two next-generation CTVs. The CTVs will have a forward deck area of 131 square metres and an aft deck area of 40 square metres.

The second I-class vessel equipped with the Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform is scheduled to enter operation in early 2025.