Volvo Penta to test power-by-the-hour model with Hurtigruten in 2022

The new M15 passenger vessel, which will be powered by a twin D4-320 DPI Aquamatic hybrid solution, is intended to be used by tourists visiting Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean. The day boat is due to be delivered to Hurtigruten in May 2022.

Volvo Penta noted that the limited trial would see Hurtigruten run the boat for more than 1,000 hours during the tourist season (1 May – 31 October). During the trial, Hurtigruten Svalbard will pay by the kilowatt-hour for its operation.

The trial offers advantages for both parties, as Volvo Penta will gain insight into customer behaviour and hybrid usage patterns. The engine manufacturer also noted that “e-mobility-as-a-service” model offers a potential solution to the higher upfront costs associated with battery-hybrid solutions, which represent a particular barrier to adoption for smaller-sized boats.

“Our aim is to be the world leader in sustainable power solutions and to do this we want to partner with companies that have the vision and courage to join us,” adds Jonas Karnerfors, Sales Project Manager at Volvo Penta. “With Hurtigruten Group we’ve got a perfect collaborator. In addition to leading-edge plug-in hybrid electric technology, we’re also able to pilot a new business model with them, through the ‘power-by-the-hour’ payment program. This gives us the chance to learn how this model works in a real-world context, helping us to determine if this is a viable concept for the future.”