Volvo Penta has inaugurated a dedicated engine testing facility in the Port of Gothenburg.
The centre will allow the engine manufacturer to test its products on a real-life job site, but will also facilitate in-depth analysis.
Although real-life tests have previously been conducted on job sites, including quarries, mines, and power plants, the port facility offers the ideal environment in which to push Volvo Penta engines to their limits.
“Volvo Penta can do a test on the road, but it’s not the same as in here,” explained Göran Dittmer, technical engineer at Gothenburg Roro Terminal.
“Our machines are always going at full throttle, moving up and down boat ramps, and carrying heavy loads. Volvo Penta gets good data from us,” he added.
Indeed, the location for the test centre was decided upon due to the materials handling activities that take place in the harbour. The facility has been created as part of a collaborative effort between Volvo Penta and Gothenburg Roro Terminal, and will be fully operational by the end of the year.
Volvo Penta has enjoyed close connections with the Gothenburg Roro Terminal for many years; the company’s engines are installed in approximately half of the machines operating at the site. With the designation of the terminal as an official test centre, however, the manufacturer will be able to pinpoint and adapt its engines to the needs and demands of similar operators.
“Developing products and services in close collaboration with users of our products is a great way to make sure that what we offer is fit for purpose, and stands out from the competition,” said Johan Carlsson, Volvo Penta’s senior vice president of planning, production development, and purchasing.
“We really appreciate this opportunity to work with Gothenburg Roro Terminal,” he added.
