Aus Ships and Volvo Penta have announced a landmark collaboration to develop Australia’s first 100% electric drive passenger ferry. Currently under construction, with commissioning due to be complete in Q42026, the vessel is scheduled to be used as a demonstrator before it goes into operation.
The pioneering vessel will feature a twin installation of the Volvo Penta IPS450E electric propulsion system, delivering 250kW per driveline – making it the first vessel globally to enter the market with this configuration. The ferry will combine a large onboard battery pack of 460 kWh with solar panels, creating a flexible and efficient energy ecosystem designed for real-world commercial use.
At its core, the project serves as a demonstrator to advance understanding of electric propulsion in marine environments. To support extended operational capability during its demonstration phase across Australia, the first vessel will also incorporate a Volvo Penta D4 variable-speed genset as a range extender. With operators increasingly seeking predictable lifecycle costs across construction, service and maintenance, the initiative is designed to generate valuable real-world operational insights and support the scalable adoption of electric propulsion solutions.
Philippa Wood, Head of Volvo Penta Oceania, says: “This project represents a bold step towards low-emission transport in Australia. What we’re doing here goes beyond deploying new technology – it’s about validating a complete, integrated solution that delivers efficiency, reliability and confidence for operators. With our Electric IPS platform, we’re carrying decades of proven marine innovation into the electric era, combining performance with efficient, quieter propulsion.”
She continues: “In this installation, we’re using twin IPS450E electric drivelines, each delivering 250 kilowatts of power. The aim is to allow the vessel to operate using renewable energy sources with improved efficiency – while maintaining performance. For Volvo Penta, this is about more than a vessel. It’s about validating scalable electric marine propulsion solutions for Australia’s waterways.”
The Volvo Penta Electric IPS system integrates propulsion and control into a unified platform, enhancing manoeuvrability, energy efficiency and ease of operation. Built on more than 20 years of IPS heritage, it leverages forward-facing propulsion and advanced Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) to optimize energy use and extend range, supporting the transition toward decarbonized marine operations. The helm experience delivered by this system also gets a real lift thanks to 8-inch Type Approved Displays (TAD), as well as heavy duty control levers and joystick control. Furthermore, in electric mode the same features such as low-speed, joystick docking and the Volvo Penta Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) are available for full control.
Tommy Ericson, Director of Aus Ships, says: “From a ship designer’s and builder’s perspective, integrating this level of propulsion and control capability into a commercial passenger vessel opens new possibilities for both efficiency and passenger experience.”
Diptesh Chohan
