Volvo Penta and Amer Yachts partner to demonstrate reduced fuel consumption

Volvo Penta and Italian-based yard Amer Yachts have partnered to demonstrate the combined build of a premium propulsion system and innovative boat design can result in fuel efficiency for superyachts.

The coast of north-west Italy was recently the scene of the experiment, involving Volvo Penta IPS-powered Amer 94, a 26.65-metre (94-foot) superyacht, which cruised at a variety of speeds over a 100-mile journey.

From Viareggio to Sanremo – the controlled 100-mile journey – saw the Amer 94 reduce its fuel consumption by up to 45% compared to yachts fitted with traditional inboard shaft installation. The results are driven by the vessel’s lightweight design and the fitment of efficient and compact Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS), which collaboratively reduce the weight of the yacht by 20 tonnes – the combined weight of four elephants.

Barbara Amerio, owner of Amer Yachts, stated, “In designing the new Amer 94, we wanted to create a yacht that is sustainable in many aspects.

“We began the design process a year ago in collaboration with Volvo Penta and other companies. And in that one year we turned dreams into reality and proved that it is possible to have a sustainable superyacht with today’s technology.”

Navigating both against and with the current, the Amer 94 cruised at a range of speeds (9.13 knots, 19.1 knots, 23.5 knots, and 26 knots) – presenting a drop in carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

Due to the twin Volvo Penta D13-IPS1350 units, 10% of the Amer 94’s weight reduced, as the units require less fuel to be carried on-board compared to inboard engines.

The remaining 10% was achieved by Amer Yachts’ use of lightweight material – using cork instead of teak decks, variable phase generators and stabilizer fins (instead of gyro-stabilizers).

Nicola Pomi, vice president of Volvo Penta’s European marine division, added, “In having a longstanding relationship with Amer Yachts we set out to explore new opportunities for sustainability in yachting.

“This unique yacht demonstrates that the excellent fuel efficiency and lightweight attributes of Volvo Penta IPS complements intelligent design elements to achieve incredible levels of performance. Reduced onboard noise also adds to the superior comfort of this exceptional superyacht.”

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