On November 16, at the METSTRADE exhibition in Amsterdam, Volvo Penta's Assisted Docking system was honored with an award in the Machinery, Propulsion, Mechanical and Electrical Systems and Fittings category. For the first time in the 30-year history of the DAME Design Award, Volvo Penta was named the overall winner.

Winning this prestigious award is a tremendous recognition of the passion, creativity, dedication and hard work of all the innovators behind the technology, led by Anders Thorin," said Jennifer Humphrey, Vice President of Marketing for the Marine Business Unit. "The DAME Award, selected by an independent jury whose members come from all areas of the marine leisure industry—to fully appreciate its scale, our Assisted Docking system was chosen from over 100 applicants, 53 nominees and winners in 6 categories. Our solution was developed entirely in-house and, building on existing technology, won against electric motor and fuel cell technologies. This says a great deal about our leading level of innovation.

"For many years, we have seen Volvo Penta working on solutions that make maneuvering in narrow waters easier and safer. It is the result of in-depth research, development and extensive software and hardware design. The system is intuitive to use, and even the joystick has a great feel. Excellent design plays a key role in bringing something entirely new to on-board motion. For us, Volvo Penta's Assisted Docking solution this year met all the requirements of the DAME Award."

— Renowned yacht designer Andre Hoek

Speaking on behalf of the DAME Award jury

All DAME Award winners

with the Volvo Penta team joining online in the background.

Due to the severe COVID-19 situation in the Netherlands, Volvo Penta decided at short notice to participate in this year's METSTRADE exhibition online only.

The development of the Assisted Docking system is the work of the Volvo Penta and CPAC teams. It is the skilled engineers, strong dedication and collaborative spirit that made this outstanding solution possible, and winning this award is a remarkable milestone," said Anders Thorin, the mastermind behind the Assisted Docking system and Manager of Product Planning Electronics.

The Assisted Docking system was launched in January and has attracted a great deal of attention throughout the year. "At a time when more and more people are trying boating for the first time, the huge interest in the Assisted Docking system is of course based on its special features that make boating easier. Behind this system, the entire team of experts has done an outstanding job in developing a solution that truly adds value for our customers. However, I would also like to highlight the disruptive way this solution was marketed digitally earlier this year at CES (Consumer Electronics Show), which allowed us to reach new target groups, both potential customers and people outside the industry. I believe that strong digital technology will continue to move forward hand in hand with the physical," said Johan Inden.

2021

A Year of Nominations and Awards for Volvo Penta

Consumer Electronics Show (CES) — The Assisted Docking system was nominated by the jury for the 2021 CES Best of Innovation Award in the "Best Vehicle" and "Most Unexpected Product" categories.

International Boatbuilders' Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) — The Assisted Docking system received the IBEX Innovation Award.

Diesel Progress Summit — Volvo Penta's EU Stage V-compliant D16 engine won the Engine of the Year Award.

DAME Award — The Assisted Docking system was named the winner in the Machinery, Propulsion, Mechanical and Electrical Systems and Fittings category and was named the 2021 overall winner. In addition, Garmin's Surround View Camera System won the Marine Electronics and Marine-Related Software category. The system was exhibited together with the Assisted Docking system at the Cannes Yachting Festival and also received widespread attention.

In addition, congratulations to MHO-Co A/S for winning the 2021 Offshore Renewable Energy Award. Their innovative crew transfer vessel, featuring a unique hybrid solution from Volvo Penta and Danfoss Editron, was recognized for being the first hybrid CTV used in offshore wind farm operations, will use zero-emission technology, and has made a significant contribution to the development of the offshore renewable energy market.