Volvo Penta and ZEM Energy. The awareness of the Scandinavian Countries

Volvo Penta and ZEM understand alternatives and sustainability in Scandinavia and are teaming up to accelerate the schedule. The Swedish company has announced the acquisition of ZEM – a company with 12 years of market experience as a supplier of both marine battery systems and complete electric drivelines and a strong track record in Norway, the most mature marine e-mobility market in the world. Another example is Danfoss’ acquisition of AXCO Motors.

Volvo Penta to buy ZEM Energy for marine electromobility

«As a part of the Volvo Group’s great electromobility initiatives, Volvo Penta has a solid technology foundation to leverage. Marine electromobility, however, has a unique set of requirements,» explains Peter Granqvist, Chief Technology Officer, Volvo Penta. «There are very specific considerations of utmost importance around the installation environment, safety, the use case itself as well as the current lack of charging infrastructure».

«We believe that bringing different perspectives and experiences together is key when it comes to developing, and progressing, within the field of marine electromobility,» he continues. «The ambition of this fantastic acquisition is to take another step forward in our electromobility development, thanks to the specialized marine competence and offer that ZEM has today.»

According to Volvo Penta, ZEM’s core team has a background in electromobility that dates back to 1993. In 2009, ZEM was founded as an advisor to the maritime and offshore sector to design battery and hybrid solutions. Today, the company has delivered battery solutions to many different applications, ranging from ferries, offshore supply vessels, and high-speed passenger ships, to lifeboats and the booming aquaculture sector. Among the pioneering solutions are the battery systems to the SMM 2016 Ship of the Year “Vision of the Fjords” as well as the world’s fastest battery-driven catamaran “Ryger Elektra” and the first electric free-fall lifeboats “Viking Norsafe.”

Good synergies

Both companies have an array of knowledge, experience, and expertise. Volvo Penta will support ZEM’s growth through its established network, while ZEM’s experience will help Volvo Penta accelerate development projects. Together the companies will expand and accelerate Volvo Penta’srange and capabilities in marine electromobility.

«Joining forces with Volvo Penta marks the start of an exciting new phase for ZEM,» says Jan-Olaf Willums, founder of ZEM. «Our two companies are aligned on such core values as safety and environmental protection and we both have that Scandinavian pioneering spirit! Volvo Penta’s name and market reach will help propel us into new electromobility markets supporting our growth.»