Powering boats in one of the most remote part of the world
The company, Los Yámanas S.A. – who offers sea excursions in the Beagle Channel – is using Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) to power two of their tour boats. Operating in one of the most remote parts of the world, the sightseeing boats enable thousands of tourists to experience the beauty of this unique region.
Tours start from Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego – an island at the southern tip of South America. It’s long been known as the southernmost city on Earth and is one of Argentina’s top destinations. Passengers can expect to have a taste of the wild, including a trip to see the penguin colony at Martillo Island and take in the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia.
The company’s president, Constante Moreno Preto, has been working in the tourist industry for more than 30 years and is now the president of Los Yámanas. As one of the main tourist companies in the city – and one of the oldest – Los Yámanas prides itself on maintaining the safest and most comfortable standards for its 120 – 140 thousand annual passengers. The company offers up to three tours per day. “We have a fleet of four boats,” says Moreno, “with capacities of up to 170 passengers. All are powered by Volvo Penta, with two of our catamarans are powered by Volvo Penta IPS 900 packages, rating 3.”
Tackling the toughest conditions
Moreno’s fleet mainly operates in the Beagle Channel – one of three navigable routes linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at the southern tip of South America. “On a good day the water is calm but on a bad day the sea can get terrifying. It can really feel like a matter of life or death,” exclaims Moreno. “When conditions are bad it is vital that boats are reliable and that captains can maneuver them to safety easily. Volvo Penta’s individually steerable IPS drives are linked to the onboard Joystick giving captains more control of the vessel especially when doing tight maneuvers or docking.”
Operators have control even in demanding sea conditions thanks to Volvo Penta IPS’s unique design. The system has forward-facing, twin counter-rotating propellers that sit below the hull for incredible ‘grip’ of the water – maximizing control.
Protecting the environment
The Beagle Channel is named after HMS Beagle, the ship which carried Charles Darwin to the area in 1831. Darwin was amazed at the flora and fauna in the region and tourists still flock to see the marine birds and mammals that reside here. Protecting this environment is high on Los Yámanas’ priorities. The Volvo Penta IPS package delivers up to 30 percent lower fuel consumption and emissions than an inboard shaft. “This results in a reduced impact on the environment and that matters to us and the future of our business,” explains Moreno.
Volvo Penta IPS also reduces noise and vibration levels by up to 50 percent which is important when operating in marine mammal habitats. Low noise and vibration also mean that passengers have a more comfortable experience and can feel even closer to the stunning nature.
Support when you need it
When you offer year-round tours, you need a reliable fleet. In the harsh conditions of the Southern Ocean – reliability is paramount for the safety of your passengers. “The reliability of the boats makes us feel safer,” says Moreno. “Thanks to the support we received from Volvo Penta through Naval Motor we receive important spare parts in just 24 to 48 hours which is very quick if you think how remote we are,” Moreno says with a smile.
“Without a doubt, we are a proven success of a company that chose Volvo Penta.”
Want to learn more? Watch Constante Moreno Preto here >
For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Humphrey
Brand, Communication and Marketing
AB Volvo Penta
Tel: int +46 (0) 31 323 30 55
Email: jennifer.humphrey@volvo.com
