Volvo Penta case study on HVO fuel in all demo and test boats

At Volvo Penta, we strive to lead in sustainable solutions at sea and we recognize that there are many ways to support our customers’ sustainability journeys. In parallel to developing future hybrid, fully electric, and alternative fuel solutions, we’re also focused on changes that can be implemented today, like using renewable fuels in boats powered by conventional combustion engines. In 2016 we approved the use of hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel – neat or blended with conventional diesel – in all our Volvo Penta engines globally. This was a big move for the company as the use of HVO 100 fuel can help reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent.

We want our customers to have the confidence to try the switch and see how it’s possible to reduce CO2 emissions with the Volvo Penta technology they already have today. Just like we have been doing by using HVO 100 in all our Volvo Penta demo and test boats at our Krossholmen marine test and demo center.

In a typical year, our Krossholmen test center racks up over 5,000 hours of testing time and the test and demo boats will usually cover around 40,000 nautical miles at sea. In the past, Krossholmen’s demo boats consumed more than 116,000 liters of diesel annually. However, from 2020 our fleet started to switch over to HVO and since 2021 all our boats are run on HVO 100.  

“We have learned that the switch is as easy as simply fueling with HVO 100 instead of diesel,” says Torbjörn Tössberg, head of the Krossholmen test center. “We have not seen any reduction in performance or range. The only challenge HVO 100 poses is availability – it’s not easily accessible in all regions – and the cost can be higher than diesel fuel. The benefits, however, mean you can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent.” 

HVO is a renewable, paraffinic fuel, commonly referred to as ‘synthetic diesel,’ produced from various vegetable and animal sources. HVO 100 is derived from crops categorized as sustainable and non-competing with edible crops. This fuel contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions, soot, and is sulfur-free when compared to many conventional diesel fuels. Volvo Penta diesel engines are compatible with HVO 100, maintaining comparable performance and range.

Simplifying the transition
Customers can easily use HVO 100 in their Volvo Penta engines without requiring any modifications, approvals, or specific certifications. Service intervals remain unchanged, and standard warranty conditions continue to apply. 

To work with Volvo Penta engines, the HVO fuel must follow the preliminary CEN standard, EN15940 paraffinic fuels, for use in diesel engines. Additionally, to avoid biological growth, the fuel tank requires surface treatment, or a plastic tank is recommended when using HVO-diesel. 

HVO 100: Sustainably sourced
HVO fuel cannot be produced in unlimited quantities and only a limited amount can be produced sustainably. This is an industry-wide challenge and we’ve been selective when it comes to finding suppliers. We encourage Volvo Penta product owners to seek out information on HVO availability in their region.

Imagine it: your current boat with your current Volvo Penta engine, delivering the performance and range you demand, but in a more sustainable way by reducing the carbon emissions by up to 90 percent. Learn more about using HVO 100. 

About Krossholmen
Our Krossholmen marine test and demo center is one of the largest and most advanced boat-testing facilities in the world. As many as 30 test and demo boats are on call at any one time, ranging from 7-23 meters, and testing at Krossholmen is almost perpetually active during all seasons, including the harsh and demanding Swedish winter months. 

All Volvo Penta solutions are extensively tested by experts in real-world conditions at Krossholmen – ensuring our products are safe and easy to use – before they are released on the market.