At SpringTide, we don’t think that experiencing whales in the wild should come at the expense of the environment and their well-being. That’s why sustainability is at the core of how we operate, not just in what we do on the water, but in how we power our vessels.
One example of this commitment is our 60 ft Ocean Cruiser – Marauder IV, which is equipped with the highly efficient and environmentally conscious Volvo Penta D11 engine. This advanced marine engine is designed not only for performance but also for a significantly lower environmental footprint, something we’re proud to stand behind.
What Makes the Volvo D11 Sustainable?
The Volvo Penta D11 is built to meet the highest possible standards for emission reduction and fuel efficiency. It is a 6-cylinder, 10-8-liter diesel engine built with the most advanced fuel injection tech to reach optimal performance. This turbocharged engine is perfect for reliable ocean cruising without excessive emissions or excessive noise that is typically associated with a high-powered marine diesel engine.
Green Benefits of this Engine
Low Emissions
This engine reduces emissions by up to 75% compared to previous models by complying with stringent IMO Tier III standards.
Fuel Efficiency
This engine has common-rail fuel injection and optimized combustion with allows it to consume less fuel. This reduces our operational costs and our carbon footprint.
Reduced Noise & Vibration
This engine minimizes disruptions to marine life and enhances guest experience by staying as quiet as it can while still operating efficiently.
Trusted by Eco-Conscious Operators Worldwide
Volvo Penta engines are trusted by eco-forward marine operators around the globe.
For example, the Port of Gothenburg in Sweden uses Volvo Penta-powered vessels as part of their green port initiative, aiming to reduce port-related emissions by 70% by 2030. Whale watching companies in New Zealand and research vessels in the Arctic have adopted Volvo Penta technology to meet strict environmental guidelines while still achieving outstanding performance in demanding conditions.
Knowing that our vessel shares the same propulsion technology as some of the world’s most environmentally conscious maritime operators gives us confidence that we’re moving in the right direction.
Efficient Cruising, Responsible Watching
Beyond the engine, the Marauder IV operates with best practices designed to minimize environmental impact during every whale watching tour. Our captains follow established wildlife viewing guidelines while on scene with animals, and we continually educate our crew and guests on how to be mindful stewards of the ocean.
Onboard, we also share visual guides and informative displays that explain how the vessel operates and what steps we’ve taken to reduce emissions and fuel use. These resources help our guests understand how small changes in technology and behaviour can make a big impact on marine conservation.
We recognize that as marine operators, we have a responsibility to protect the ecosystems we invite our guests to explore. Choosing the Volvo D11 for Marauder IV is just one of many decisions we’ve made to reduce our footprint and lead by example in sustainable tourism.
As we look ahead, SpringTide remains committed to innovation and education, ensuring that our whale watching adventures remain as respectful to nature as they can be