Volvo Penta and Danfoss teaming up to drive electric marine future
Two heavyweights in marine mobility – Volvo Penta and Danfoss Editron – are joining forces in a formal partnership to boost electrification in the marine sector and speed up transition to the next level.
The Marine Business Unit of Danfoss Editron specializes in electric systems for ferries, workboats, and superyachts, while Volvo Penta is a world-leading supplier of marine power solutions for both industry and recreation. The partnership reflects their shared philosophies and is a natural outgrowth of the success they have already achieved on joint projects.
Both companies have made commitments to significantly reduce their carbon emissions and environmental impact. As part of the Volvo Group Science Based targets, Volvo Penta has committed to a 37.5% in absolute reductions of its products by 2034 and Danfoss is currently on an ambitious journey to become CO2 neutral in all of its global operations by 2030.
In addition to their own advances and projects in marine electrification, the companies recently worked together on the development of hybrid vessels for Danish customer MHO-Co that will transfer crew to and from the offshore windfarms operated by Ørsted in the UK. They are also cooperating on the first-ever fleet of commercial autonomous exploration vessels for marine robotics company Ocean Infinity.
Volvo Penta and Danfoss combine for seamless experience
The formalized partnership will cover all aspects of their marine electrification work, from research and development and design phases through to installation, commissioning, and aftermarket support. The goal is to coordinate a joint approach that makes things easier for customers, operators, and shipyards with a totally seamless experience from sales to aftermarket.
“We’re excited to officially join forces with Volvo Penta,” says Kimmo Rauma, vice president of Danfoss’ Editron division. “Ultimately, we want to create a sustainable solution and find the ideal fit for the market. Together, the two companies have the winning combination of skills and technology to create unique solutions.”
Heléne Mellquist, President of Volvo Penta, said “Our vision is to become a leader in sustainable power solutions, where we are driving transformation on land and at sea towards a more sustainable society. We are thrilled to announce this partnership!”
Among the many notable electric and hybrid project Danfoss has been a part of are e-ferry Ellen, which was the world’s largest electric ferry at the time of its maiden voyage in 2019 as well as the e-Ferry Grotte which operates in the UNESCO World Heritage waters of Denmark between the coastal town of Esbjerg and the island Fanø.
They are hard at work on Portugal’s first electric ferry and have been commissioned by Baltic Yachts for the hybrid power plant and propulsion system of a Baltic 110 custom superyacht to be delivered to its owner in 2023.
For their part, Volvo Penta unveiled an all electric saildrive at the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2019 and made a sizeable commitment to electric propulsion this past summer when they became majority shareholder of marine battery and electric driveline solutions supplier ZEM AS. In November they announced a pilot project with tourist operator Hurtigruten to provide a hybrid solution for a sightseeing boat that will visit walrus, puffins, seals and whales in the arctic waters of Svalbard, Norway.
“We generally see strength in collaboration,” says Peter Granqvist, Chief Technology Officer, Volvo Penta. “This partnership makes us a true system integrator. Both our companies are strong players in our respective fields. Volvo Penta has an integrated helm to prop, full systems approach, combined with a strong service network. By adding Danfoss’ expertise and strength in electrification, we will deliver a unique offer in the market.”
