Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform in Action - Sanlorenzo SX120

Why It Matters

The platform delivers significant fuel savings, reduced noise, and design flexibility, giving yacht owners lower operating costs and a future‑proof propulsion solution as emissions regulations tighten.

Key Takeaways

• Forward‑facing twin counter‑rotating props boost efficiency and handling
• Dual‑engine per drive delivers power of larger engines, smaller footprint
• Eco‑mode cuts fuel use up to 10% beyond 30% baseline savings
• Integrated exhaust and suspension reduce noise and vibration by half
• Modular design enables future hybrid or electric upgrades for yachts

Summary

Volvo Penta’s new IPS Professional Platform was showcased aboard the 36.5‑meter Sanlorenzo SX120, illustrating how the propulsion system reshapes performance and interior space for midsize super‑yachts.

The system replaces traditional shaft‑driven propellers with forward‑facing, twin counter‑rotating pods that operate in undisturbed water, delivering faster acceleration, a top speed of 23 knots and superior low‑speed handling. A dual‑engine‑per‑drive layout provides the output of larger engines while occupying a smaller footprint, and the Eco‑mode automatically shuts down idle units, cutting fuel consumption an additional 5‑10% on top of a baseline 30% reduction. Integrated through‑hull suspension and exhaust lower onboard noise and vibration by roughly 50 %.

The SX120’s design benefits are tangible: a 70 m² beach club with side platforms and a sunken pool becomes possible thanks to the compact drivetrain, while the yacht enjoys a 2,000‑nautical‑mile range and compliance with IMO Tier 3 emissions via a selective catalytic reduction system. The captain can switch between fully automated engine management and manual control, and features like joystick‑assisted docking and dynamic positioning enhance maneuverability in tight marinas.

For builders and owners, the IPS Professional Platform promises greater design freedom, lower operating costs, and a clear path toward hybrid or electric retrofits, positioning it as a strategic advantage in the competitive luxury‑yacht market.

Original Description

Inside the Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform onboard the Sanlorenzo SX120

With its modular architecture, compact footprint, and integrated power management, the Volvo Penta IPS Professional Platform represents an exciting step forward in marine propulsion for yachts between 35 and 50 metres or more.

In this second video about the all-new system installed on the Sanlorenzo SX120, Justin Ratcliffe takes a look at how its unique features play out where it matters most, on the water. The Professional Platform basically takes the successful IPS concept to the next level.

The unique dual-engine-per-drive configuration also makes possible advanced control functions like EcoMode, an automatic engine management system that activates or shuts down the individual engines based on real-time power demand. For the first time, it shows how propulsion can influence not only performance, but also design, comfort, and sustainability.

▶ Did you miss part one? You can catch up on the first video here: https://youtu.be/SCUjn30P9OU

and explore how this next-generation propulsion system is reshaping the future of large yacht performance and control.

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Produced by Nick Smits / SYT Content Creators