{"id":258297,"date":"2026-05-13T13:11:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T13:11:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.barchemagazine.com\/?p=258297"},"modified":"2026-05-14T11:38:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T11:38:28","slug":"volvo-penta-ips-hybrid-propulsion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.barchemagazine.com\/en\/volvo-penta-ips-hybrid-propulsion\/","title":{"rendered":"A new milestone for Volvo Penta"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The Swedish company that revolutionised the marine industry in 2005 with the first IPS system, featuring forward-facing propellers and steering pods \u2013 offering greater efficiency and manoeuvrability than in-line shaft systems \u2013 has reached a new milestone. <\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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In fact, the new D13 IPS Hybrid yacht propulsion system is set to launch in late 2026. This fully integrated hybrid-electric platform combines enhanced onboard comfort with easier ownership, installation, and design. Built on the trusted Volvo Penta IPS technology, it marks a significant advancement, providing a comprehensive helm-to-propeller solution.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Volvo Penta\u00a0D13\u00a0IPS\u00a0Hybrid aims to enhance the yachting experience with near-silent operation, user-friendly control, and seamless system integration<\/strong>. It merges propulsion, electric motors, batteries, energy management, and controls into a unified system, simplifying operations for owners, captains, designers, and boat builders.<\/p>

Hanna Ljungqvist, President of Volvo Penta<\/a><\/span>\u2019s Marine\u00a0Business, stated:\u00a0\u201cOur new\u00a0Volvo Penta\u00a0D13\u00a0IPS\u00a0Hybrid\u00a0is a complete\u00a0helm-to-propeller\u00a0marine\u00a0solution<\/em><\/strong>. By delivering a fully integrated package with one point of responsibility, we simplify everything from design and installation to operation and service, while elevating onboard comfort and performance<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Increased efficiency and an optimised onboard experience<\/h3>

At sea, the system\u00a0allows the captain to select\u00a0among electric,\u00a0hybrid, and crossover modes<\/strong>. In pure electric mode, yachts can cruise quietly at low speeds, dock with precision\u00a0and anchor in near silence. With noise and vibration dramatically reduced, the natural sounds of the ocean\u00a0can\u00a0take centre stage.\u00a0Furthermore, high-capacity batteries power onboard amenities without the need for a generator, enabling peaceful\u00a0nights at anchor and reduced emissions.<\/p>

The D13 IPS Hybrid is compatible with HVO100, a renewable paraffinic fuel that can reduce emissions by up to 90% compared with conventional diesel<\/strong>. In addition, the system features a compact aftertreatment system that complies with IMOIII, the toughest emissions legislation.<\/p>

Central to the system\u2019s innovation is its fully integrated architecture<\/strong>. All components are connected via Volvo Penta\u2019s\u00a0Electronic Vessel Control (EVC)\u00a0system, ensuring that signature features such as\u00a0Joystick Driving,\u00a0Assisted Docking,\u00a0Autopilot\u00a0and\u00a0Glass Cockpit\u00a0operate\u00a0seamlessly across all drive modes. This integration provides precise control, particularly in low-speed manoeuvring and tight docking situations, while\u00a0maintaining\u00a0a consistent and intuitive user experience.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Complete\u00a0IPS\u00a0Hybrid\u00a0yacht\u00a0solution\u00a0streamlines build and simplifies ownership<\/h3>

For\u00a0yacht\u00a0builders and designers,\u00a0a\u00a0\u201cone-stop shop\u201d approach delivers significant advantages from the earliest stages of a project<\/strong>. By offering a complete hybrid electric\u00a0yacht\u00a0propulsion\u00a0solution\u00a0\u2013\u00a0including propulsion, batteries, energy\u00a0management\u00a0and controls\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Volvo Penta reduces the need for multiple suppliers and streamlines the entire build process.<\/p>

Nicola Pomi, Vice President of Yacht\u00a0& Superyacht\u00a0Sales\u00a0at Volvo Penta,\u00a0said:\u00a0\u201cBy working as a single partner across the full system, we can support customers from\u00a0initial\u00a0design through installation and operation<\/em><\/strong>. This level of co-engineering and collaboration enables more efficient builds, optimised performance and greater flexibility in yacht design\u201d.<\/em><\/p>

The standardised\u00a0Volvo Penta\u00a0IPS footprint further simplifies installation,\u00a0eliminating\u00a0the need for complex shaft alignment and enabling a more plug-and-play approach<\/strong>. Designers benefit from increased flexibility in layout, including the potential for smaller engine rooms and more usable onboard space for guest areas and amenities. Early-phase collaboration with Volvo Penta also supports hull and propulsion alignment, performance optimisation, and smoother integration into production processes.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Service and support deliver peace of mind<\/h3>

Owners and captains\u00a0benefit\u00a0from the clarity and confidence that comes with a single-source system<\/strong>. With Volvo Penta responsible for the entire propulsion package, service and support become more straightforward.\u00a0In addition, the company\u2019s global service network provides access to trained technicians and advanced diagnostics, helping ensure reliable uptime and efficient issue resolution wherever the vessel\u00a0operates.<\/p>

\u201cThis is about delivering peace of mind as much as performance<\/strong>. With one partner standing behind the entire system, our customers can focus on enjoying their time on the water, knowing they have\u00a0access to\u00a0expert support every step of the way\u201d<\/em>, added Nicola Pomi.<\/p>

In addition to enhancing comfort and simplifying ownership, the Volvo Penta D13 IPS Hybrid enables more efficient yachting<\/strong>. Its silent electric mode allows access to\u00a0areas with stricter emissions requirements and environmentally sensitive areas.<\/p>

With the launch of the\u00a0complete\u00a0D13 IPS\u00a0Hybrid\u00a0yacht\u00a0package,\u00a0Volvo Penta reinforces its commitment to innovation and leadership in marine propulsion<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0delivering a fully integrated, future-ready solution that redefines what yacht owners and builders can expect from a hybrid-electric system.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Volvo Penta\u00a0IPS\u00a0Hybrid\u00a0technical\u00a0system\u00a0overview<\/h3>