Jupiter. In astronomy it is the largest planet in our solar system. In mythology it is represented as the most important deity, the king of gods. Since the end of April, and more precisely since the 25th, it has marked a turning point in maritime transport. The Giove Jet has hit the headlines for the choice made by the Lauro Group’s Alilauro shipping company to equip it with a new Volvo Penta IPS IMO Tier III system with twin bow-mounted counter-rotating propellers and a POD transmission.
Volvo Penta climbs aboard Jupiter
In detail, the four Volvo Penta D13 inline 6-cylinder engines with 12.8 L and 1,050 HP of power each replaced the diesel engines in the engine room combined with the waterjet propulsion with which the fast ferry was equipped. A choice that does not come about by chance. It reflects a precise strategic vision that places the Neapolitan company in the role of case history in the future of passenger transport by sea.
“Alilauro intends to propose routes that integrate effectively with other modes of transport, such as road and rail,” commented Eliseo Cuccaro, managing director of the shipping company, “offering optimised itineraries and seamless travel. The improvement of the experience starts from the first mile and continues to the last, emphasising the synergy between the various forms of transport and respect for the environment. Cuccaro added: “By completing this important technological refit, we have shown that even in Italy, with the right partners, great quality work can be achieved.
An ideal partner
We did everything in house, in our yard, with our own strengths, our own capabilities, and we feel very proud of that. Volvo Penta has been an ideal partner, it has given us great support for this project but I am sure we will go further down the road together. The arrival of a new and larger IPS system, which opens up applications for larger units, makes us aim for new goals, new technological improvements for our fleet. This is especially good news for the environment.
“The POD transmissions are the true technological heart of the IPS propulsion system: thanks to the trailing and counter-rotating propellers, which increase efficiency by up to 35 per cent, they make it possible to install smaller engines and consequently reduce fuel consumption dramatically, while also allowing for smaller on-board tanks and more available space,” explains engineer Andrea Piccione, Volvo Penta Italy’s sales manager.
Volvo Penta IPS
“The IPS system, which has more than 20 years of experience and 40,000 installations, allows very high levels of reliability,” adds Piccione, “and will evolve in the future with hybrid and electric solutions, always minimising the amount of energy needed on board, thanks to the efficiency of the PODs.” The numbers speak for themselves.
“The tests carried out at sea,” continues Piccione, “tell us that in one year we will have reduced carbon dioxide emissions compared to the previous propulsion configuration, by more than a thousand tonnes – more or less the weight of a long goods train loaded, or a dozen blue whales – calculated on an average use of 2,000 h/year. But the introduction of the new propulsion system on the Jupiter jet also translates into good news in the form of greater comfort for passengers during navigation thanks to lower vibrations and therefore less noise.
Sustainable mobility
This operation is part of a broader path that the Swedish company is taking towards sustainable mobility at sea as well, and one that is also firmly aimed at large pleasure craft. Last year Volvo Penta unveiled the IPS 40 system designed to be adopted by hulls up to 55 metres long and beyond.
“Currently, in the superyacht segment up to 55 metres and beyond, there are no such solutions. The benefits of this motorisation translate not only into greater compactness, i.e. a smaller footprint, but also into the fact that it is designed to meet the targets set by the IMO Tier III regulations,” says Nicola Pomi Global Yacht and Superyacht director at Volvo Penta. Efficiency that rhymes with sustainability. Having the possibility of distributing power over four propulsion units makes it possible to dose the necessary thrust according to actual needs.
So, for example, if you want to travel at 10 knots there is no need to have all four engines running. Only two are needed. This means that the life cycle of the engines also benefits significantly, with the advantage that maintenance costs, fuel consumption and consequently emissions are reduced,” adds Pomi.
Matteo Zaccagnino
