Ches Power Group Recognised for Marine Innovation with Cordina Marine
Ches Power Group is proud to have been named a finalist in the 2026 Australian Marine Industry Innovation of the Year Award, recognising our work in partnership with Cordina Marine on the integration of the Volvo Penta IPS propulsion system into the R100 sea rescue vessel.
The Australian Marine Industry Awards celebrate outstanding achievement across Australia’s superyacht, marine export and commercial marine sectors, with the 2026 winners and finalists honoured at a Gala Dinner at The Langham Gold Coast on 19 May 2026. Ches Power Group was listed among the finalists for Innovation of the Year, alongside several respected names in the Australian marine industry.
This recognition reflects the importance of collaboration, technical capability and forward-thinking design in delivering vessels that meet the real-world demands of Australian marine operations.
A New Standard for Sea Rescue Capability
The project centred on R100, a next-generation sea rescue vessel built by Cordina Marine for Fremantle Sea Rescue. Ches Power Group, as the Western Australian distributing dealer for Volvo Penta, supplied and supported the integration of the Volvo Penta IPS system into the vessel.
The IPS system combines propulsion, steering and control into a fully integrated platform, delivering improved manoeuvrability, responsiveness and ease of operation compared with conventional propulsion systems. In a sea rescue environment, where crews often operate under pressure and in challenging conditions, those improvements can make a meaningful difference.
R100 is believed to be the first Australian sea rescue vessel fitted with the Volvo Penta IPS system, making the project a significant step forward for the sector.
Designed for Performance, Efficiency and Control
Sea rescue vessels need to perform reliably across a wide range of conditions, from long-distance missions to towing and close-quarters manoeuvring. The decision to use IPS was driven by its compatibility with the vessel’s catamaran hull design and its ability to deliver strong performance while improving fuel efficiency.
For rescue operators, greater fuel efficiency can support extended operational range and reduce fuel consumption during demanding missions. Combined with enhanced handling and control, the system helps crews operate with greater confidence and precision.
Ches Power Group provided a comprehensive IPS installation package, including key components such as engine mounts, exhaust systems and wiring harnesses. This helped streamline the installation process and reduce complexity during the build.
Collaboration Behind the Innovation
The project was delivered in partnership with Cordina Marine, whose successful tender was supported by a strong track record in high-performance rescue vessel construction and a long-standing working relationship with Fremantle Sea Rescue and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
The result is a vessel that demonstrates how advanced propulsion technology can be applied in practical, mission-critical marine settings. Feedback from Fremantle Sea Rescue has been extremely positive, with the vessel’s performance, handling and ease of operation standing out as key benefits.
Proud to Support Australian Marine Excellence
Being recognised as a finalist in the 2026 Australian Marine Industry Innovation Awards is an important milestone for Ches Power Group and a reflection of the expertise, care and collaboration that went into the R100 project.
We are proud to have played a role in a vessel that supports the vital work of Fremantle Sea Rescue and helps set a new benchmark for safety, efficiency and operational capability in Australian sea rescue.
This project is a strong example of what can be achieved when marine technology, practical experience and purposeful vessel design come together.