Volvo Penta Launches Professional IPS Hybrid
Based on its forward facing, counter-rotating propeller drive leg system, the new IPS Hybrid from Volvo Penta promises a highly flexible platform for rugged duty.
The IPS (Inboard Performance System) is a proven drive unit and widely used in the leisure sector, but the Gothenburg-based Volvo Penta company has just released a commercial hybrid version. This complements the leisure version, launched last year, which features the D13 IPS Hybrid which is compatible for use with renewable HVO100 fuel. The D13 is available from 700hp to 1,000hp with a 160kW (208hp) electric motor.
The new professional version of the IPS Hybrid was launched at Seawork, with new fuel saving features such as Eco mode. The 160kW electric motor can be seen as a separate unit behind the D13 diesel.
Volvo Penta used the recent Seawork exhibition in June to provide visitors with a hands-on example of the commercial unit, which - in a similar way to the leisure version - features a powerful electric motor sandwiched between the drive leg and a conventional D13 diesel engine variant. However, with superyachts and fast ferries in mind, the commercial version can accept inputs from two engines on the same leg, one ahead, and one behind. This allows the skipper to bring the extra engine in and out depending on the power demands, a move they call ‘Cross-over.’ For slow speed harbor maneuvers, for example, you would use one engine, and for high-speed cruising or ‘power boost’ you would use both. The Professional package includes joystick operation and assisted docking via Volvo’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system ensure that fuel consumption is closely managed, especially in the new Eco Mode. A video on the Volvo website explains it well. Whilst this drive package has been aimed almost exclusively at the commercial sector, most notably for areas that involve a high duty cycle, the IPS Hybrid could easily find itself installed in charter/explorer yacht of between 25m- 55m. The installation will be ideal for a vessel operating in a tough environment with above average engine hours.
Unlike the leisure version, the new Professional drive can accept two motor inputs, one each side of the drive. This can either be two diesels, or a diesel electric combination. The result is a very flexible package with greatly improved fuel economy.
Riding a popular trend, the hybrid is a fully integrated system, so any boatbuilder would have everything they needed sourced from within the Volvo Group.
The company says the platform is ‘engineered to simplify service responsibility, improve operational control and support dependable performance where uptime matters most. By delivering a fully integrated helm-to-propeller package through one supplier, the system helps reduce complexity across installation, operation and service. Propulsion, batteries, controls, and energy management are designed to work together as one cohesive package. This gives operators a clearer maintenance path, fewer interface touchpoints, and one point of responsibility across the full system’.
The leisure version of the IPS is a parallel hybrid, meaning the electric motor is directly connected to the drive train, rather than powered by a generator elsewhere. However, the Professional IPS could also run as a serial hybrid, with two electric motors per drive and two stand-alone diesel engines further inboard. This gives the builders of large yachts much greater flexibility in the layout.
In the parallel version, the unit can also be used as a generator when the need arises, and the electric motors can be engaged to boost the diesel for brief periods of high speed or torque.
The company says that selectable modes including Pure Electric, Hybrid Electric, Hybrid Fuel and Cross-over allow operators to adapt performance according to vessel activity. Together, they provide a flexible operating toolkit designed to optimize performance, reduce fuel consumption, and match energy output to the job at hand.
“Marine commercial operators need solutions they can rely on every day, in every condition,” said Hanna Ljungqvist, President of Volvo Penta Marine Business. “Our IPS Hybrid has been developed to meet those expectations by bringing together the manoeuvrability and efficiency of our IPS platform with integrated hybrid-electric capability. This is supplied in a complete package designed to support uptime, simplify operations and deliver long-term value.”
https://www.volvopenta.com/en-gb/about-us/news-page/2026/jun/volvo-pent…