Hanna Ljungqvist, Volvo Penta: a new generation of yacht owners is emerging

On the occasion of the Monaco Yacht Show and the exclusive evening at the Yacht Club de Monaco, Pressmare met Hanna Ljungqvist, recently appointed Head of Volvo Penta’s Marine Business, to talk about innovation, sustainability, and the evolution of the yachting experience.

PM: Hanna, you are now responsible for marine yachting development at Volvo Penta. Could you tell us a bit about yourself and what makes yachting so fascinating to you?
HL: For me, yachting, as with any activity at sea, is deeply connected to my passion for water and the experiences it brings, both personal and shared. Being part of that, while delivering fully integrated propulsion solutions and driving innovation, is truly rewarding. It’s not just about ensuring peace of mind, quietness, and comfort onboard, but also about contributing to greater sustainability and efficiency through advanced driveline systems, exceptional manoeuvrability, and constant innovation—something Volvo Penta has always stood for. This is what fuels my passion.

PM: What are the next steps for Volvo Penta in yachting?
HL: We are continuing the journey started over the past 15 years, expanding our IPS platform to larger vessels with more integrated systems and increasingly sophisticated, value-adding features—from energy management to manoeuvrability, human factors, and user interface. We are currently developing the Volvo Penta IPS Professional platform for the yacht and superyacht sector, as well as for our commercial marine segment, where our systems are pushed to their limits. This also demonstrates the durability and reliability of our technology for the future.

PM: You mentioned 4,700 hours of testing—can you tell us more about that?
HL: Certainly. The first installation of the IPS Professional platform is on a 36-metre crew transfer vessel serving the wind farm industry. It carries technicians from shore to offshore turbines, docking precisely alongside the pillars so they can safely disembark, work, and return onboard. The IPS system ensures accurate propulsion and control, which is crucial for safety. This vessel has now logged 4,700 hours of operation without major issues, even in extreme conditions—a testament to the system’s precision, safety, and reliability.

PM: How do you think the next generation of yacht owners will perceive propulsion and control?
HL: We are clearly seeing a new generation of yacht and superyacht owners, generally younger than those 20 or 30 years ago. Like in many industries, they seek a simple, seamless experience without getting lost in technical details. While owners in the past were fascinated by the mechanics, today’s owners prioritize comfort, sustainability, and ease of use. That’s exactly what the IPS Professional platform delivers: intuitive control, efficiency, and an effortless, comfortable experience that matches the expectations of modern yacht owners.

Filippo Ceragioli

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