Based on the latest Volvo technology, the 8-liter engine expands the offer between the D6 and D11 models, for applications that require low weight with high power in order to achieve peak performance for propeller, waterjet and Volvo Penta IPS applications.
The new engine has been designed for use in planing craft which need to accelerate quickly, with low emissions and high comfort.
Commercial uses include fast patrols, coastguard and rescue launches, police and ambulance boats, water-taxis and high-speed passenger ferries, fishing boats, and off-shore support vessels.
“This is an exciting venture for us to have a new engine of this class,” says Thomas Lantz, product planning manager for Volvo Penta’s Marine Commercial sector.
“D8 will be a perfect match between the D6 and D11 high performance engines in our range. Thanks to its compact dimensions and high power-to-weight ratio, the D8 will fit extremely well into high speed planning vessels in both new design and re-powering of Volvo Penta’s famous TAMD74 range of engines.”
Proven technology
The new engine for marine commercial use is based on the Volvo Group’s D8 platform, which has shown exceptional capabilities in the trucks and buses divisions, as well as Volvo Penta’s own off-road industrial applications.
The engine has been further developed, optimized and tested for commercial use by Volvo Penta's development team at the unique Volvo Penta Marine test center. Field tests have shown that it is reliable, which is an important aspect for commercial customers in securing engine uptime.
It is an in-line six-cylinder engine with a cylinder capacity of 7.7 liters, twin-entry turbo and sea-water cooled heat exchanger. The engine has a common rail system working up to 2000bars. The injection is electronically controlled which allows for more flexibility. Pre-, main, and post-injection are essential aspects for the engine’s power, torque, fuel efficiency, low noise and emission levels. All technical features mentioned together will create benefits for both yards and operators.
Benefits of installing the D8 include:
- High power and torque rise – for speed and excellent load-carrying capabilities.
- High low-end torque and wide rpm range – for excellent maneuverability and acceleration.
- Reliable – for maximum uptime.
- Low fuel consumption – for low cost of operation.
- Low noise levels – for good on-board comfort for crew and passengers.
“The high power-to-weight ratio together with the new common rail injection system where the nozzle has been optimized, together with a piston bowl of re-entry type, will provide excellent fuel efficiency,” says Anna Pettersson, chief project manager for Volvo Penta’s marine engines. “In the commercial sector particularly, economic use of fuel is a great benefit to our customers who consider the total cost of ownership of their boats.”
Triple output range
Volvo Penta has developed three power outputs for the D8 inboard range – of 450, 510 and 550hp. They are designed to conform to the US EPA Tier 3 emissions standards, as well as IMO II and EU IWW. EPA certificates are expected in January 2017.
Power ratings will be set at R3 (for 450hp), and R4 for both 510 and 550hp. The IPS system, engine, drive and propellers are expected to be approved by DNV-GL. The inboard engine will also require certificates, which will be applied for from the classification societies: Det Norske Veritas - Germanischer Lloyd (DNV-GL), Registro Italiano Navale (RINA), Lloyds Register (LR), China CSS, Russia (RS) and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). The engine will be ready for delivery in June 2017.
