Volvo Penta chose the Monaco Yacht Show to unveil its IPS Professional Platform, marking a pivotal step forward in the field of IPS propulsion for yachts from 25 to over 55 m, tailored this time to the yachting elite. It is worth taking a step back to understand just how this system has managed to revolutionise the propulsion sector.
Launched in 2005, the IPS (Inboard Performance System), featuring two counter-rotating propellers facing forward, has sold no less than 40,000 units, bringing measurable efficiency advantages in terms of lower fuel consumption, higher speed and greater acceleration compared to traditional shaftline systems to many boats.
The IPS Professional Platform embodies the next step for sustainability and decarbonisation in yachting, using energy sources like endothermic and electric engines combined to create thermal, hybrid or fully electric propulsion.
The dual power input for each pod ranges from two thermal engines to two electric, or even one thermal and one electric. With layouts of two to four pods, the dual set-ups of up to 1,000 hp each and up to eight engines reach a max output of no less than 8,000 hp. Here, environmental sustainability and performance go hand in hand.
The IPS Professional Platform is suitable for speeds from 12 knots displacement to 40 planing. A key feature is the Eco mode which, using on-board sensors, automatically starts or stops each engine according to power demand. Also included are smart features such as Assisted Docking and Dynamic Positioning systems integrated with the EVC, which provides a complete set of diagnostic data. The entire control line of the boat, from joysticks to propellers, is unified in the new platform with the advantage of a single contact point during installation and maintenance.
Volvo Penta claims that, compared to traditional shaftline systems, this produces 30% less fuel consumption, up to 50% less noise and vibration, and 40% more acceleration. All supported by the increased space available onboard and the manoeuvrability provided by the pods.
As early as 2025, the fully thermal IPS Professional Platform 40 will be available, powered by two Volvo Penta D13s. While, as of 2026, it will be possible to install electric engines, paving the way for hybrid or fully electric solutions. Such innovation inevitably demands a great deal of work. A 37 m ferry was remotorised, following ten thousand hours of sea trials.
The benefits, however, were undeniable: turning radius reduced by 20%, and acceleration to 30 knots reduced from 50 seconds to 28. More than nine thousand hours of virtual testing were conducted on a digital twin of the system.
At end of August, the first unit designed for the IPS Professional Platform entered service, a CVT (Crew Vessel Transport) that transfers offshore wind farm crews through the unforgiving North Sea. Next year the platform will make its debut in the world of superyachts, with the new Amer Steel 41 m Explorer from Permare, who already boast a long tradition of using IPS systems. Another launch expected in 2025 is that of the Sanlorenzo SX120.
Nicola Pomi, General Manager of Volvo Penta, explains how the Swedish multinational intends to meet the challenges of the future for increasingly green propulsion on board large yachts
With the IPS Professional Platform, Volvo Penta steps foot into the 25-60 m segment. Is this because you find it to be the most interesting market? Do you plan to go beyond 60 metres?
“Volvo Penta introduced the first IPS 20 years ago with over 40,000 units sold. Our entry into the 25-60 range is the natural next step for the IPS range, and its benefits are twofold: we develop our own strategy towards larger units and at the same time demonstrate the validity of the IPS for larger yachts in general. We will be able to introduce the pod system, not yet available, with an integrated solution from propeller to antenna, and propose the dual input feature of the IPS Professional Platform, which provides two power inputs in one lower engine unit. Such versatility allows us to offer this segment thermal, hybrid, even full electric propulsion. Our challenge? To convince a vast audience of captains, brokers, surveyors and designers. 25-60 m is the largest volume of yachts and superyachts produced, past the 60 m mark the numbers drop, so to make a difference we need to become competitive in this bracket. The future holds no limits, but we will approach our future gradually, in typical Volvo Penta fashion”.
Does today’s growing environmental awareness see a greater involvement of owners when it comes to propulsion?
“The IPS Professional Platform ensures greater efficiency, with reduced consumption and environmental impact. The 40,000 IPS units sold demonstrate its superiority in terms of efficiency over the traditional shaft line, an advantage we aim to bring to larger yachts. The possibility of offering hybrid and full electric solutions with the IPS Professional Platform responds to owners’ growing focus on sustainability”.
Do you think full electric propulsion in general will catch on in the large yacht world?
“We cannot imagine propulsion without thermal engines, except in contexts like large marinas, lakes or restricted waters. What we do believe is that hybrid systems will become more widespread, allowing zero-emission cruising with just an electric motor and batteries. Additional power will come from a thermal engine when needed, which will also power the generators. Zero-emission yachts can still be built with internal combustion engines without using fossil fuels, thanks to alternatives like methanol, hydrogen or HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). All Volvo Penta diesel engines are compatible with HVO. There are still issues with methanol or hydrogen refuelling, however, due to a lack of infrastructure and regulation. Once these are settled, we will be able to discuss a carbon-neutral future for yachting”.
Marta Gasparini
