Volvo Penta is to introduce its new IPS Professional Platform, which builds on the company’s Inboard Performance System (IPS) and Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) technology with enhancements for larger vessels.
The IPS Professional Platform is the next evolution of Volvo Penta’s integrated helm-to-propeller system, designed to deliver performance and sustainability for professional vessels. The platform enables a vessel to have up to eight power sources, and includes matched software, services and support, integrated via the company’s proprietary EVC technology.
Highlights of the new platform include:
- An intelligent dual power drive system – Installed as a twin, triple or quad, the system enables each vessel to have four to eight power sources. The solution is prepared for a mix of power sources – from combustion engines running on renewable fuels to fully electric or hybrid solutions, providing the option to combine traditional internal combustion engines with electric power sources.
- Intelligent technology – including Volvo Penta Assisted Docking, Dynamic Positioning and a professional-level Glass Cockpit display to ease manual operation and semi-automated features for every level of operator. The system offers remote diagnostics and improves maintenance.
- Future-Proof – the platform architecture can future-proof vessels through its dual-power configuration. Vessels can be designed for today’s engines’ then upgraded with hybrid and electric options without the need to redesign or scrap a vessel.
- Smart power sources – All Volvo Penta combustion engines can run on renewable diesel or bio-diesel today, enabling the path to sustainability to start before fully electric power sources are ready for deployment.
- Getting eco smart – A new smart Eco Mode feature automatically starts/stops individual engines based on the power needed for a given situation, optimising fuel consumption and engine running hours. In addition to increasing the benefit of Volvo Penta IPS at lower speeds and reducing fuel consumption across the majority of the drive cycle, Eco Mode is visible through an interface at the helm.
- Efficiency – Together the Volvo Penta IPS driveline and Eco Mode complement each other to ensure new levels of efficiency.
- Commitment to sustainability – Volvo Penta’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation enables users to experience up to 30% total fuel savings and emissions with the complete package.
Commercially available in 2025, the Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform was developed for ease of operation, versatility, and efficiency. The platform includes an innovative concept built on the IPS system and developed for use with dual power inputs. This new design enables different combinations of power sources to be connected to one energy efficient drive.
These could include:
- Traditional ICE power sources, including renewable fuels such as HVO or Renewable Diesel
- A hybrid of ICE and electric power sources
- Fully electric power sources
Additionally, Volvo Penta’s Eco Mode feature will automatically manage and optimise the use of power based on real-time needs during operation.
Johan Inden, president Volvo Penta Marine, said: “Our aim has long been the relentless pursuit of innovation. We are absolutely focused on delivering sustainable solutions that create an exceptional experience for our customers. Building on the success of the legendary Volvo Penta IPS system, this new Professional Platform will also provide new options for energy efficiency and aid in efforts to achieve decarbonization at sea in marine industries. We see this as a major step towards decarbonisation in superyachts and commercial vessels between 25-55m.”
