Tidal Transit, a pioneer in offshore electrification and crew transfer vessel (CTV) operations, has signed a Memorandum of Partnership with Volvo Penta, a global leader in marine power solutions. The landmark agreement was unveiled today at Seawork 2025, setting the stage for collaborative innovation in sustainable offshore energy operations. The partnership will see Tidal Transit outfit its next-generation electric fleet with Volvo Penta’s advanced propulsion system, the IPS900E, specially designed to provide efficient, zero or low carbon thrust for electric and hybrid vessels.
With support from maritime and logistics investor HICO Investment Group, Tidal Transit is adding six new electric, hybrid and electric-ready new builds to its growing roster of sustainable crew transport solutions. Designed by Tidal Transit in partnership with Capilano Europe, the vessels will be built by Marina Meridional in Spain.
In addition to being outfitted with Volvo Penta’s groundbreaking IPS the new CTVs will also be built with advanced lightweight composite materials, offering further advancements in energy efficiency and carbon emissions reductions over traditional diesel-powered CTVs. This evolution in design also offers reduced maintenance downtime, increased comfort and offering near silent and vibration-free operations.
Volvo Penta’s IPS systems are a proven technology with an impeccable track record. Several vessels in Tidal Transit’s current fleet are already equipped with Volvo Penta IPS technologies, like Anthea Luna, Imogen Rose and Arabella Jane, three WindFlex 27 Quad Volvo Penta IPS models delivered and chartered to European wind farm operators earlier this year. Tidal Transit’s flagship diesel-to-electric CTV retrofit project, e-Ginny, also takes advantage of the same system, which was chosen for its readiness for battery-powered propulsion and high fuel efficiency in conventional mode.
Leo Hambro, director of Tidal Transit, commented: “We’re working hand-in-hand with a robust network of marine and engineering partners in the UK and internationally to create the world’s first electric fleet of multi-functional e-CTVs.”
“We chose Volvo Penta’s best-in-class IPS system for its proven ability to deliver the highest levels of efficiency, speed and comfort required for this electric transition, and we’re looking forward to strengthening our partnership even further as we continue breaking new ground in driving technological innovation for decarbonised crew transport.”
Mehmet Belibagli, Volvo Penta Head of Marine UK & Ireland, added: “Over the past two decades, we’ve developed deep expertise through the reliable perfoArmance of more than 40,000 Volvo Penta IPS drivelines in service, complemented by recent successful pilots in marine electrification.
“With this new offering, our focus is to provide a fully integrated, easy-to-install electric propulsion solution. IPS900E not only reflects our core strengths, but is also built to scale seamlessly with third-party partners, like Tidal Transit, with whom we look forward to continuing our partnership.”
