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Volvo Penta pushes sustainability drive
By Lawrence Butcher on	 November 30, 2020 Environmental, Power and Propulsion
Volvo Penta says it has accelerated its drive toward more sustainable operations and products, in line with a commitment to be a net-zero emissions company by 2050 at the latest. To this end, its parent Volvo Group is now committing to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI), a program that defines and promotes science-based sustainability measures.
To support these sustainability goals, Volvo Penta is upping its efforts to reach zero emissions – through fossil-free, renewable fuels, and electric and hybrid technology.
"We have to perform and transform – in parallel," said president of Volvo Penta, Heléne Mellquist. "We will perform by improving our current portfolio, based on current customer and market needs. At the same time, we are looking ahead, predicting future needs and applying innovative technologies to evolve and transform accordingly. Balancing the development of today's technology and future solutions is a demanding but inspiring challenge."
The company notes that it has been working in the marine automation, connectivity and electrification fields for several years. In addition to expanding the levels of automation and digitization in its activities, Volvo Penta says that it will be further harnessing Volvo Group's knowledge of electrification in the commercial transport sector and adapting this technology for marine applications.
"We are looking into viable business cases and learning and testing," explained Mellquist. "We are building on our existing fully integrated system approach – but to achieve this we must work closely with partners and customers, especially in the early development phases."
To this end, the company hopes to address some of the key challenges facing the future marine commercial industry, such as charging infrastructure capabilities, new business models for services and services growth.
"In the future," concluded Mellquist, "marine commercial professionals can expect a continued focus on sustainable innovation from Volvo Penta. We believe in many ways the professional market will pave the way for leisure markets – being the first to adopt electrification, advanced emission performance, and pushing the envelope for new features. Collaboration is key to capture opportunities across the industry."
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