Swedish companies to develop next-gen hybrid patrol vessel

Swedish companies Marell Boats and Scania Power Solutions have joined forces to develop a next-generation, eco-friendly interceptor with a hybrid driveline, M17 Patrol.

As informed, the companies have teamed up to create a sustainable vessel to meet the increased demand for hybrid solutions. The partnership is covering development, testing, and marketing, while the objective is to lead the shift towards a sustainable maritime transport system.

The interceptor is being developed in response to requests from operators, police, military, and other government agencies for high-performance boats with hybrid drive systems that can operate at high speeds during long-distance transits with low environmental impact.

At the same time, the boats should be able to operate quietly, efficiently, and in an environmentally friendly way in ports, during patrol missions, on offshore wind farms operations and during sightseeing tours.

“The new M17 Scania Hybrid offers all the capabilities and functions that you can expect from Scania, i.e., electrification and a combustion engine that can run on renewable fuels,” said Torben Dabrowski, Global e-Mobility Sales Development.

“When we are developing Scania’s future hybrid and full electric power systems, the conclusion is that these can be highly beneficial in many different applications, for example a powertrain with instant response, exceptional torque and seamless transitions.”

The M17 is based on Marell’s M15 platform. The ship will measure 17.4 meters in length and have an overall beam of 4.3 meters. The M15 platform was selected as a patrol vessel by the Marine Police in Stockholm and as a fire fighter craft by the Greater Stockholm Fire Department, as well as a sightseeing boat by Hurtigruten Svalbard.

The partners expect that they will have their first M17 Patrol with a hybrid driveline in operation by fall 2022. 

“Overall, this is a major step towards environmentally friendly vessels as well as an important stepping-stone towards full electrification of commercial craft,” the companies concluded.