Volvo Penta Diesel Generators: Performance, Price & Ship Types
Volvo Penta is a renowned name in the marine industry, celebrated for delivering high-performance, reliable, and fuel-efficient marine generator sets. Their comprehensive range caters to diverse vessel requirements, from small commercial boats to large cargo ships. With a global service network and a commitment to innovation, Volvo Penta ensures that their generators meet the stringent demands of marine operations worldwide.
| Volvo Penta Marine Generators – Quick Breakdown | |
|---|---|
| Positioning & Key Specs | |
| Cost Tier | Mid to High – Volvo Penta gensets are not cheap, but the value in long-term efficiency and support justifies the price. |
| Popular kW Range | 62 kW to 1,700 kW. Widely used across coastal cargo ships, ferries, offshore vessels, and large working boats. |
| Known For | Fuel-efficient power, low emissions, low maintenance downtime, and responsive global service support. |
| Best For | Commercial cargo ships, tankers, ferries, and vessels requiring 24/7 performance with minimal crew intervention. |
| Fuel Efficiency | Excellent. Uses common rail injection and turbocharged intercooling to get more power from less fuel. |
| Noise & Vibration | Designed for low NVH. Many setups include insulated mounts and sound-dampening enclosures standard. |
| Typical Lifespan | Well over 25,000+ hours when properly maintained — a strong point of the brand's reputation. |
| Availability | Global — with particularly strong support in Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. |
| Common Setup | Often installed as a complete genset package with controls, sound enclosure, and remote monitoring options. |
| Emissions Compliance | IMO II and III compliant, depending on model. Volvo Penta invests heavily in meeting global emission mandates. |
| Volvo Penta – Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What You’ll Love — and What to Consider | |
| ✅ Pros |
- Extremely fuel-efficient across load ranges - Quiet operation with low vibration - Very reliable for continuous use or standby - Easy-to-use control panels and remote monitoring options - Excellent service network in major shipping regions - Good resale value due to brand recognition |
| ❌ Cons |
- Higher upfront cost compared to budget-tier options - Some spare parts can be pricey depending on region - May be overkill for small vessels with limited power needs - Not as commonly used in some Asian shipyards (compared to Doosan or Weichai) |
| Volvo Penta Generator Pricing Guide | |
|---|---|
| Estimated Cost Ranges (Base Units Only – Installation Not Included) | |
| 60–100 kW | $18,000 – $35,000 Entry-level marine gensets, often used as auxiliary power on small commercial vessels. |
| 100–300 kW | $35,000 – $65,000 Mid-range units found in ferries, tugboats, and offshore supply vessels. |
| 300–700 kW | $65,000 – $120,000 For larger vessels needing sustained onboard power or backup for dynamic positioning systems. |
| 700–1,000 kW | $120,000 – $180,000+ Typically installed in offshore platforms, tankers, or high-demand commercial vessels. |
| Custom Gensets / Parallel Systems | $200,000+ Custom-built or synchronized generator systems. Quote-only pricing depending on integration and redundancy levels. |
Our team helps vessel owners like you find the right diesel generator for your ship — without the pressure. We work with top suppliers to help you compare specs, get the best pricing, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re outfitting a new build or replacing an old unit, we’re here to make the process easier and faster. Get started with our quick quote request form below.