Page 24: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (May 2018)

Ron Huibers, Volvo Penta oices

Powering AheadPowering Ahead

Photos: Volvo Penta passenger and vehicle ferries, and patrol to help competence development for our

Update us on Volvo Penta’s boats for law enforcement and military dealer technicians. The 1 million square push into the North American operations. Since many of these projects foot national parts distribution center re- commercial marine market.

Historically, we have been strong in have a relatively long lead time, our ef- cently established by the Volvo Group in the marine commercial markets outside forts to build market share over the last Byhalia, Miss., is another key element in of North America. Five years ago, we few years are now starting to bear fruit. our commercial marine strategy. In most

Ten percent commercial marine cases, Byhalia provides overnight deliv- made the strategic decision to leverage this global experience and supplement growth is impressive. What measures is ery of critical parts anywhere in North

Volvo Penta taking to further strengthen America.

our marine leisure business with an in- its position in the North American com- creased focus on the commercial seg- ment here in the Americas. Since then, mercial marine segment? Where do you see growth in

We recognize that the prime imperative the coming 12-24 months?

our commercial marine business has in- creased by roughly 10 percent annually. for commercial marine vessel operators We see a market opening up in the U.S.

Our current lineup for the commercial is to minimize downtime and maximize offshore wind industry as it already has productivity. To that end, we have put a in other parts of the world. The Depart- marine market includes a variety of en- gines based upon the regions’ needs (D1 great deal of emphasis on strengthening ment of Energy reports there are 28 off- – D16 in Canada and Central America) our commercial marine dealer network shore wind projects currently under de- and (D4-D16 in the U.S.), ranging from to ensure prompt service 24/7/365 with velopment. As these coastal wind farms 225 to 800 in the U.S. horsepower with the highest possible ? rst-time-? x rate. come into service, they need a ? eet of inboard or IPS drives. We also offer both We also have established new Volvo vessels to transport crew and spares to

As Volvo Penta contin-

Penta Power Centers in key regions. We the turbine towers. As you know, the diesel and gasoline sterndrives, and ma- ues its strategic penetra- now have 10 commercial marine Power offshore wind industry in Europe is far rine diesel gensets. In some cases, cus- tomers are using our engines to power Centers, in the U.S. and Canada. These more mature and advanced than in North tion of the commercial pumps on fuel barges as well. About 20 large “super dealers” provide a critical America. Volvo Penta has captured a maritime sector, Maritime liaison link with dealers and builders large market share of the offshore wind percent of our commercial marine busi- ness is newbuilds. We’ve seen a surge of in their regions. They too have decades support vessels in Europe. This gives us

Reporter & Engineering of experience serving the marine com- a leg-up when it comes to offering prov- repowers in California.

News checks in with Ron mercial industry. We have beefed up our en, fast and fuel-ef? cient solutions to the technical training programs for dealers. market. Our IPS technology is a perfect

Huibers, President, Volvo

The commercial marine sec-

Last year we set a new record for the ? t for these highly specialized vessels.

tor is large. Where does Volvo

Penta of the Americas.

number of trained technicians, both in We are seeing share growth in fer-

Penta best