For more than four decades, Hart Marine has built a reputation for excellence, leading the maritime industry in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. Known globally for their composite boat building and high-quality marine vessels, Hart Marine has again raised the bar by outfitting four new Orc 173 boats used to transfer pilots to their waiting vessels, with Volvo Penta’s advanced Inboard Performance System (IPS). The partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to innovation, reliability, and safety in demanding marine environments.
Pioneers in maritime excellence
Hart Marine has a 40-year involvement with the global composite boat building marine industries, including New Zealand. In that time, they’re name has been linked to a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and quality assurance. This commitment has seen Hart Marine build lasting relationships, with many clients who have returned over the years.
According to Malcolm Hart, Managing Director:
“Our passion has led us to pioneer the industry over the last 40 years, establishing Hart Marine as leaders in composite boat building worldwide. Our continuous drive to exceed customer expectations and deliver top-tier vessels ensures our products remain best-in-class.”
This philosophy is clearly evident in the latest Orc 173 vessels, built specifically for Australia’s demanding maritime conditions.
Tailored for challenging waters
Operating effectively in Australia’s southern waters requires vessels capable of withstanding severe conditions, including powerful currents, unpredictable weather, and complex navigational challenges. Each of Hart Marine’s new 17.55-metre Orc 173 transportation vessels features Volvo Penta IPS900 propulsion systems and twin Volvo Penta D13 engines, combining to produce an impressive total power output of 970 Kw.
Graeme Taylor, General Manager of Hart Marine, explains the critical importance of choosing reliable propulsion technology:
“These vessels must handle critical operations in Australia’s most challenging maritime environments. Volvo Penta IPS and Volvo Penta D13 engines offer the perfect combination of speed, manoeuvrability, and operational efficiency, essential for safely transferring pilots under harsh conditions.”
Performance meets precision
The capability to quickly reach high speeds—up to 35 knots with a comfortable cruising speed of 28 knots—positions these vessels ideally for efficient pilot transfers and rapid response scenarios. Equipped with Volvo Penta’s Interceptor System, each vessel significantly reduces wave resistance, enhancing fuel efficiency and operational stability.
The advanced Volvo Penta IPS provides intuitive vessel control with features such as Joystick Docking and Dynamic Positioning, dramatically improving manoeuvrability and reducing operational risk.
Rob Welsh, Launch Coordinator at Flinders Ports, has firsthand experience with the benefits of these innovations:
“Using the Dynamic Positioning System is like engaging a car’s handbrake—press a button, and the vessel effortlessly holds its position, regardless of wind or current. The joystick docking is incredibly responsive, making precise handling simpler and more reliable than ever before.”
Cutting-edge navigation with Glass Cockpit
Enhancing operational efficiency further, the Orc 173 fleet is equipped with Volvo Penta’s Glass Cockpit technology, consolidating navigation data, engine monitoring, and vessel control into a unified, user-friendly interface. This integration provides crew members with real-time, high-resolution data, significantly improving situational awareness and enabling rapid, informed decision-making during critical operations.
Comprehensive service and support
Partnering exclusively with Volvo Penta for integrated propulsion and navigation solutions simplifies maintenance and servicing. Hart Marine benefits from having a single reliable point of contact, which helps minimise vessel downtime and ensures peak operational readiness.
Reflecting on this successful collaboration, Malcolm Hart emphasises the significance of continuous innovation:
“It’s been a great success for Hart Marine and Flinders Port. These vessels represent a stepping stone into the future, illustrating the direction the global pilot boat industry is heading.”
Leading maritime innovation
With this latest fleet, Hart Marine continues to exemplify industry leadership in vessel design and performance. Through decades of expertise and an unwavering commitment to quality, Hart Marine and Volvo Penta are setting new standards in maritime safety and operational efficiency, affirming their position at the forefront of global marine innovation.
