Volvo Penta introduces superyacht and new energy compatible IPS platform

Targeted for 2025, Volvo Penta has released details about its Inboard Performance System (IPS) professional platform aimed at superyachts and professional craft.

Building upon the Volvo Penta IPS, the new platform promises a powerful and flexible solution for professional vessels and superyachts from 25 to 55+ meters with top speed from 12-40 knots. The new, larger Volvo Penta IPS propulsion package is prepared for a range of energy sources.

The Volvo Penta IPS professional platform features the largest and most powerful platform in the Volvo Penta IPS range – including a new, larger marine drive, Volvo Penta IPS 40. Volvo says the new drive is designed with a pioneering dual power input concept, which manages the power to the water in the most efficient way, but also acts an important enabler to utilize different combinations of energy sources.

Electric compatible IPS

Starting series production in 2025, the new Volvo Penta IPS 40 drive will be powered by two Volvo Penta D13 engines, paired with a compact after-treatment system to comply with the latest IMO Tier III standards. But, the platform is already prepared for a mix of power sources; from combustion engines running on renewable fuels to fully electric or hybrid solutions. The dual power input design offers flexibility and modularity on the journey towards increased sustainability. The new Volvo Penta IPS professional platform is installed as twin, triple or quad, meaning each vessel will have from 4 to 8 power sources. The complete package from helm to propeller is designed, verified and serviced by one integrator – Volvo Penta.

“Our passion, experience and history of proven results with Volvo Penta IPS are an integral part of our ongoing technology development – with the aim to reach new heights with this new professional platform,” says Johan Inden, president of Volvo Penta’s marine business. “A new star is emerging in our range, where we are looking forward to delivering our trademark helm-to-propeller experience to a whole new class of vessels. It is designed to improve on our own high standards – with world class performance, efficiency, flexibility – and a people first approach in mind.”

Volvo Penta IPS has close to 20 years of proven use and over 36,000 units delivered. According to Volvo, the system’s maneuverability and forward-facing propulsion has delivered outstanding efficiency gains, resulting in up to 40 per cent longer cruising range, 20 per cent higher top speed and faster acceleration – compared to a traditional inboard shaft installation. The new Volvo Penta IPS professional platform builds on this legacy, it says, and continues to push the boundaries of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability even further – now to a new class of vessels.

The propulsion package is positioned far aft and the through-hull suspension design and integrated exhaust system is designed to deliver premium onboard comfort by ensuring low noise and vibration levels. Volvo Penta says its IPS provides up to a 50 per cent reduction in perceived noise.

Meeting the demands of professional vessels

The new Volvo Penta IPS professional platform is type approved and designed for heavy-duty commercial applications. It is expected to deliver up to 30 per cent savings in fuel consumption and emissions compared to a traditional inboard shaft installation.  Through a new efficiency-driven feature, the system can automatically start and stop individual engines based on power needed for each given situation, optimising fuel consumption and engine running hours.

Volvo Penta will offer global parts availability and 24/7 customer support for its professional Volvo Penta IPS. Advanced connectivity aims to provide increased uptime through predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics and remote software download.

“This new Volvo Penta IPS platform has the same performance traits that have delivered a premium solution for countless vessels and now it will provide a smoother on-water experience for the professional and superyacht segments,” Inden says. “Now an entirely new group of owners and marine professionals can benefit from the most fully integrated system on the market that really brings new levels of performance, efficiency and reliability.”

Superyacht and professional IPS delivery in 2025

Volvo Penta is carrying out in-house development to ensure thorough in-water testing using its own passenger high-speed ferry test boat, located near its marine test facility in Gothenburg, Sweden. Rigorous testing is in progress to ensure the durability and performance of the propulsion package, with field tests in an offshore-energy crew transfer vessel serving as the subsequent phase leading up to the anticipated 2025 delivery.

“The new Volvo Penta IPS is a powerful platform that will provide the ultimate helm-to-propeller experience. It builds on a rich tradition of forward-thinking Volvo Penta design that puts people at the heart,” Inden says. “We are eager to expand this platform to a whole new class of professional marine segments, while at the same time, enabling the move toward increased sustainability at sea. It is an exciting time for the marine industry, and we believe our new Volvo Penta IPS professional platform will be the next game-changer.”

Facts and Figures

• Designed for vessels from 25 to 55+ meters
• Dual power inputs per driveline [up to 2 x 1000hp/735kW]
• Twin, triple or quad drivelines per vessel [up to 8000hp/5880 kW]
• New counter-rotating propeller series in bronze, R2-R14
• Displacement, semi-planing and planing vessels [12-40 knots]
• Steering angle +/- 40° (dual electrical steering motors)
• Gear ratio 2.91
• Type Approved
• Integrated package with compact SCR system