Volvo Penta Assisted Docking wins DAME Design Awards 2021

On November 16^th the DAME Design Awards announced its winners. Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking System was a joint winner of the DAME Design Award in the category of ‘Machinery, propulsion, mechanical and electrical systems, and fittings.’ On top of this, the Assisted Docking system won the overall DAME award – presented to the product at METSTRADE Show that encapsulates the essence of the awards – not just innovative design but a dedication to continuous improvements in all aspects of the creative process.

This system is the marine industry's first fully-integrated Assisted Docking system – from helm to prop. Volvo Penta Assisted Docking offers unrivaled precision and control in the maneuvering and docking process – allowing the captain to defy the elements by removing the dynamics of wind and current. The system uses the maneuverability of the Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) in a completely new way. 

“It is an absolute privilege to be awarded the overall DAME award for our Assisted Docking System,” says Anders Thorin, Product Manager Electronics, Volvo Penta. “Delivering game-changing innovation is in our DNA. We’re always looking for ways to support our customer's easy boating experience and this system takes that to the next level. Docking is probably the task that boaters fear the most but with Volvo Penta Assisted Docking we can enable everyone, no matter the skill level, to enjoy being out on the water calmly and safely.”

The DAME Design Award – which this year celebrates its 30^th anniversary – is a globally renowned award that recognizes the best designed products in the marine leisure sector. The winners are based on a wide array of criteria, from function and aesthetics to packaging and the end product. The DAME jury also considers the expected impact on the marine industry such as suitability for the intended purpose, the level of innovation, cost, ease of use or installation, and environmental impact.

“For many years now we have seen Volvo Penta working on solutions that make close-quarters maneuvers easier and safer,” says renowned yacht designer, Andre Hoek on behalf of the DAME award jury. “The Assisted Docking solution really illustrates everything we are looking for in the DAME. It is the result of in-depth research, development, and extensive software and hardware design. The system is intuitive to use and even the hand controller feels nice to the touch. Great design has a critical role to play in bringing new people into boating. For us, this year, Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking solution ticked all the DAME Awards’ many boxes.”

“It is an honor that our Volvo Penta Assisted Docking System received the DAME Design Award and the overall DAME award,” says Johan Inden, President of the Marine Business at Volvo Penta. “It is all thanks to the in-depth experience of the Volvo Penta team – who are experts in technology and boating – but also the openness of our customers. The connections we have with our customers – boat builders and boat owners – drives our technology development and ideas for innovation. And this provides a strong foundation for our long-term evolution of easy boating.”