Volvo Penta has unveiled a concept that would provide a new experience of yachting by drawing on the company’s knowledge of energy generation, storage and distribution. The concept would enable electric vessels to recharge in novel ways.  The idea was first presented at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). 

SuperyachtNews spoke to Johan Inden about how the concept was created as a continued evolution of and reaction to the disruptors that are already moving the superyacht industry. When discussing sustainable propulsion, Inden explains that the concept opens a discussion into how to improve the design of integrated recharging stations compared to regular installations. Inden explains that there is not only one solution to providing superyachts with electric propulsion systems: ‘there are many roads of innovation and it will definitely be a combination of sustainable fuels, fuel cells and batteries, and they will be built and set up in a way that accommodates the use case for that specific yacht.’

Iden emphasises that the technology would offer an experience of yachting that is more silent, marine-life friendly and tailored to the user’s needs. The concept presents the various ways AI navigating systems could improve the yachting experience such as by re-routing a boat when approaching a storm or when sensing the presence of marine…