Volvo Penta’s latest D6 propulsion package set new standards for high-speed vessels
Volvo Penta says that it has joined forces with Swedish boatbuilder Marell to create the new Marell M15 patrol boat. Equipped with Volvo Penta’s latest D6 engine and DPI system, the vessel is tailor-made from helm-to-prop to set a new standard for high-speed operations.
Volvo Penta’s latest D6-440 DPI propulsion system is the power behind Marell’s new 15m fast patrol boat. Equipped with twin D6-440 DPI sterndrives, the Marell M15 has a top speed of 45 knots and includes a fully integrated system from Volvo Penta, including its Electronic Vessel Control (EVC.2) and Glass Cockpit System. This powerful combination is currently being put through its paces in London, as the Marell M15 is debuting at this year’s Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) show – a world-leading event connecting governments, national armed forces, industry thought leaders and the global defense & security supply chain.
The power: The twin Volvo Penta D6-440 DPI
The new Volvo Penta D6 DPI package includes a new engine management system, new fuel injection system, new turbocharger, and a new supercharger. The cylinder head, pistons, and valves are re-engineered to withstand higher torque as well as meeting higher reliability and durability requirements. As well as this, the Aquamatic sterndrive DPI has a new hydraulic clutch which allows for silent and smooth shifting. It also enables slipping at low speeds, resulting in greater maneuverability and higher comfort at low boat speeds. All of this makes the D6 a perfect fit for the Marell M15 – a durable vessel designed for anti-piracy operations, border control, intelligence gathering, maritime security, and force protection missions.
For this Military Professional segment, speed and maneuverability are top priorities. The Marell M15 provides unparalleled performance, with cruising speeds of between 30 and 40 knots. The D6-440 DPI sterndrives that the Marell M15 uses – together with the marine engine’s high torque at lower rpm – creates a vessel with very good ‘grip’ in the water, which in turns gives extremely high acceleration and safe high-speed turns.
In top specification, Volvo Penta’s D6 boasts 480 hp and offers up to 10% more power across the range than its predecessor. The Marell M15 has a fuel consumption of only 3.4L/nm at cruising speed (40 knots) making this package very competitive compared to other propulsion systems.
The control: The EVC.2 and Glass Cockpit System
The navigator and helmsman sit in a unique ergonomically designed cabin equipped with the latest Volvo Penta technology – the EVC.2 and Glass Cockpit System. In a vessel designed for high speed and interception operations – in any type of weather or darkness – these control systems are a significant advantage.
The new EVC.2 system has been designed with the complete boat in mind. Its all-new electronic architecture offers new features such as a single connection point – regardless of how many engines are in the installations – making maintenance, software downloads, and diagnostics easier.
Integrated with the EVC.2 system is the Glass Cockpit System, which provides a full overview and control of navigation and propulsion data, together with options for Autopilot and Joystick Driving. All of this is collected and displayed in one single interface: the multi-function, touchscreen display. The system is fully customizable so operators can modify the layout and views, to decide what, where and when information is to be displayed. The ergonomic design of the operator interface makes sure operators get the most out of the Glass Cockpit system – by offering the highest levels of safety and efficiency.
Setting new standards
“Volvo Penta’s advanced propulsion system is a critical element in a vessel of this type,” comments Patric Söderholm CEO Marell Boats. “The D6-440 DPI sterndrives’ thrust, durability, fuel efficiency, and control are vital for customers, using the vessel often in aggressive environments,” says Söderholm.
This top-of-the-line boat – combined with Volvo Penta’s new propulsion and control packages – offers the highest speed in all seas, safe and trouble-free operations, unique performance and a patrol boat with the best acceleration and maneuverability in this class.
The vessel is currently available for demo in the dock next to London Excel during the exhibition from 10th-13th of September.
ABOUT VOLVO PENTA
Volvo Penta, with approximately 3,500 dealers in over 130 countries, is a world-leading and global manufacturer of engines and complete power systems for boats, vessels and industrial applications. The engine program comprises diesel and gasoline engines with power outputs of between 10 and 1000 hp. Volvo Penta is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy trucks, buses and construction equipment.
