The Volvo car brand is globally known for its supreme safety while simultaneously offering a premium experience, but did you know that Volvo also makes power systems for the marine and truck industries? I learned this recently when Volvo Penta brought me to Sweden to test pilot their new Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform.
I’m a native New Yorker, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I don’t have a driver’s license. Yet I was able to successfully pilot and dock a yacht powered by Volvo Penta’s new IPS Professional Platform, and now I’m convinced that it will unequivocally change the boating industry.
Volvo Penta, a subsidiary of the Volvo Group specializing in marine and industrial engines, employs around 2,022 people and, in 2022, reported revenues of 18.102 billion SEK. The company operates globally, providing engines and complete power systems for marine and industrial applications, and has a strong presence in the marine commercial segment.
The IPS Professional Platform is Volvo Penta’s next-generation integrated propulsion system designed for larger commercial and superyacht vessels from 25 to 55+ meters in length. Volvo’s IPS Professional Platform uses its new advanced inboard propulsion system called the IPS 40, and it will undoubtedly transform the boating industry when it becomes widely available in 2025.
This system is special because it can use diesel fuel, electricity, or even both at the same time. That means that it’s flexible enough to work in all sorts of boats, from small ones to really big fancy yachts.
I got to ‘test drive’ the IPS Professional Platform system on both a small boat and a yacht, and the experience was simpler and more intuitive than I could’ve ever imagined. I was able to do it because, in addition to a traditional steering wheel, the Volvo Penta IPS 40 system uses a joystick, effectively making the driving and docking experience akin to playing a video game. The joystick control and dynamic positioning system work to significantly improve the vessel’s maneuverability.
On my first try, I was able to steer and dock a yacht. The fact that the Volvo Penta team trusted me to dock a $5 million boat, after giving me only some basic instructions, blew my mind. But the technology is so good and intuitive that I understand why they felt confident I could maneuver and dock the vessel.
All one has to do is push the joystick in the desired direction to move the vessel accordingly. The system’s precision allows for smooth and controlled movements, making docking in tight spaces incredibly easy.
How the IPS Professional Platform works
The IPS 40 inboard propulsion system is a key component of the larger IPS Professional Platform. The IPS 40 has two separate shafts, which means it can connect two different engines to just one pod. This is awesome because it can make the engine twice as powerful—up to 2,000 horsepower. It also makes it easier for boat builders to put hybrid engines in their boats without having to change too much.
By using two smaller engines instead of one big one, the IPS 40 saves space inside the boat and makes it more streamlined in the water, so it uses less fuel. It can offer up to 30% savings in fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional inboard shaft installations.
Another great thing about the IPS 40 is that it can help boat owners save money on maintenance. By switching between the two engines when the boat is going slower, each engine works for fewer hours. This means they don’t need to be serviced as often, which saves money. Plus, if one engine stops working, the other one can still power the boat.
The IPS 40 is also quieter and doesn’t vibrate as much, making it a great choice for people who want their boats to be both environmentally friendly and efficient.
Volvo is currently testing the IPS Professional system on everything from small to larger vessels, including repowering the system on a two-decade-old 199-passenger ferry called Penta 40.
World of Volvo
On my trip to Sweden with Volvo Penta, I also got to tour the World of Volvo. It is open to the public and designed to be a major tourist attraction. If you’re a fan of Scandinavian design and the iconic Volvo brand, you’ll want to check out the new World of Volvo experience when visiting Gothenburg.
The striking building, designed by renowned Henning Larsen Architects, pays homage to the great Scandinavian outdoors with its extensive use of wood and expansive windows that let in tons of natural light. Spanning a whopping 236,000 square feet, this impressive venue celebrates Volvo’s rich history and deep connection to Swedish values and aesthetics.
But the World of Volvo is more than just a pretty face. This place is set to become a must-visit tourist attraction in Gothenburg, offering visitors an immersive journey through Volvo’s past, present, and future. The 4,500 square meter exhibition space is filled with iconic vehicles, engaging stories, and interactive displays that showcase Volvo’s human-centric philosophy and forward-thinking vision. If you get hungry during your visit, you can grab a bite at one of the two restaurants on-site, Ceno Brasserie and Ceno On Top, both led by award-winning chef Stefan Karlsson.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast or a design aficionado, the World of Volvo is definitely worth the trip.