Volvo Penta and Danfoss partner to drive marine electrification

Volvo Penta and Danfoss’ Editron division have established a partnership agreement which they say will take the marine industry’s electromobility development to the next level.

Danfoss’ Editron division manufactures electric and hybrid powertrain systems for heavy-duty and commercial vehicles and machines such as ferries, workboats, and superyachts, while Volvo Penta supplies marine power and propulsion solutions to marine and industrial applications. It’s said the partnership will help both companies take the next steps in sustainable power solutions to deliver future-proof technology to customers.

By leveraging their combined strengths, the two companies say they will work to optimise offerings to provide electromobility solutions for the marine industry. By cooperating on research and development activities, they claim they will deliver robust, reliable, and efficient electrification packages to a broader part of the marine commercial market.

“We’re excited to officially join forces with Volvo Penta,” says Kimmo Rauma, vice president of Danfoss’ Editron division. “Ultimately, we want to create a sustainable solution and find the ideal fit for the market. The marine sector urgently requires zero-emission solutions that offer ultimate manoeuvrability, precision, and comfort capable of operating in robust commercial marine environments. Together, the two companies have the winning combination of skills and technology to create unique solutions and drive sustainability in the industries they operate in.”

By working together from the design phase right through to installation, commissioning, and aftermarket support, their aim is to secure a totally seamless experience of the delivery of vessels. It’s hoped this joint approach from sales to aftermarket will make things easier for customers, operators and yards in the future.

“Our vision is to become a leader in sustainable power solutions, where we are driving transformation on land and at sea towards a more sustainable society,” explains Heléne Mellquist, president of Volvo Penta. “We are thrilled to announce this partnership! By leveraging the strengths of both our companies we will be able to support our customers’ transformation journey by providing world-leading electrified solutions.”

Peter Granqvist, chief technology officer at Volvo Penta, adds: “We generally see strength in collaboration. This partnership makes us a true system integrator. Both our companies are strong players in our respective fields. Volvo Penta has an integrated helm to prop, full systems approach, combined with a strong service network. By adding Danfoss’ expertise and strength in electrification, we will deliver a unique offer in the market.”

The alliance will support the Volvo Group’s commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative and the company’s next steps in adjusting and futureproofing in line with the ambitions of the Paris Climate Agreement. Meanwhile, Danfoss is currently on an ambitious journey to become CO2 neutral in all its global operations by 2030.

“We want to drive sustainability across the industries we operate in,” added Rauma. “Combining our market-leading, unique products with Volvo Penta’s state-of-the-art power and propulsion systems will help achieve this goal. This agreement will set a new industry standard in electric marine propulsion solutions for the marine sector and enable us to increase our presence in the market even further.”