2023. Azimut charts a new course toward sustainability

The green turn

From Boats by Motor 2023, no. 30, April/May, pp. 96-103.

More efficient fairings. Lighter materials. Hybrid and next-generation propulsion systems. With the Seadeck range, the Azimut shipyard charts a new course toward sustainability.

There is the theme of innovation. Then design should not be forgotten. Also true. Finally, one cannot overlook the issue related to environmental impact that has become a top priority. It is precisely here that the attention of the main players in the Italian and international nautical industry has been focused, each of which is now committed to finding the best solutions. Then there is a voice out of the chorus that has managed to combine these three elements by proposing something never seen before. It is that of Azimut which, with its new Seadeck line, has sent a strong and clear signal. We are also in the presence of a turning point because this is not an experimental boat much less a one-off, but a true series built on a large scale. The engine and soul of a project that, in terms of innovation, design and environmentally friendly solutions is a case history for the entire nautical sector, is Giovanna Vitelli. Recently appointed president of Azimut-Benetti, she has chosen to make use of the ideas of Alberto Mancini and, for the first time ever, Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez: they have been given the task of having given form and content to the new line articulated on three models with lengths between 18 and 24 meters. On the sidelines of the presentation of the new range, we met with Giovanna Vitelli, who granted us this interview.

Seadeck is not just a new product range but embodies a precision vision. Can you tell me about it in detail?
It is a new starting point for future generations. We wish, once again, to chart a course that will be an inspiration for the entire industry, so that the theme of respecting the environment is interpreted with a concrete approach made up of investment, technological research and the courage to introduce a new lifestyle that embraces the sea.

How is innovation the key to reducing impact on the environment, and how is Azimut addressing this issue?
The Seadeck project is the epitome of a vision that the Group has embraced for several years. In 2006 Benetti launched the first megayacht with diesel-electric propulsion. Two years later it was the turn of the Azimut 50 equipped with fuel-cell. In 2010 we launched the Magellano 50, the first hybrid boat. Then, starting in 2015, we set ourselves the goal of pushing the pedal of research and development with the aim of increasing efficiency and, at the same time, reducing consumption and emissions. These are the assumptions from which a new generation of models from 15 to 40 meters called Low Emission Yachts was born, of which I’S7, Magellan 30, Grande 26 Meters and Grande 30 Meters are the most representative examples.

What does this designation consist of and, in detail, what were the areas in which you focused your attention?
The goal, now achieved, was to reduce emissions by 20-30 percent compared to similarly sized models on the market. We achieved this by developing a choral vision for the project. The reasoning was not limited, as is often the case, only to the propulsion to be adopted but took into account several elements. Starting from a careful study of the fairings to the use of lighter materials such as carbon. The combination of all these factors allowed us to lower installed power, reduce emissions, and improve efficiency without compromising final performance. And, on the subject of materials, I emphasize that Azimut was the first shipyard to have a dedicated area, complete with an oven, for the in-house production of carbon structural elements.

Just on the topic of transitioning to more sustainable mobility, there are many options on the table: hydrogen, electric, hybrid up to E-fuels. Isn’t there a risk of proceeding in random order with the result of fueling further confusion among customers? What is your opinion on this?
It is very important to have a lot of clarity and as much seriousness about the type of approach. In my opinion, as is the case in automotive, it is necessary as an industry to confront each other on shared criteria and have a set of equal parameters designed on a scientific basis. To get out of the party game, we made the decision to have an external body certify the parameters, including fuel consumption and emissions, referred to the boats produced by the shipyard. The goal is to provide the end consumer with objective, official and reliable data. But we cannot be the only ones to do this. We need to be systemic. On the future, we have to be honest and accept the idea that there will be a transition period necessary to understand which technologies will really be applicable. At the moment all these certainties I still do not see.

How does a product like the Seadeck fit into this logic?
Starting right from the known and applicable technologies. It will be a cutting-edge range in every sense. The scope of the research and development work has taken into account several areas. Nothing has been left to chance. The Seadeck Series will be the first in its market range to adopt the IPS hybrid propulsion system with PODs from Volvo Penta. II 40% of the boat will be carbon fiber to keep weight down. The latest generation of hulls will bring additional benefits in terms of hydrodynamic efficiency. Energy to heat the water on board will come from photovoltaic panels and the input of heat exchangers that will draw on the heat generated by the thrusters. In addition, a next-generation battery pack will enable up to 8 hours of zero-emission roadstead parking. Instead of teak, we have introduced recycled cork as a material for covering the decks and exterior surfaces. These are all solutions that will lead, in an average season of use, to a 40 percent reduction in emission levels compared to a conventional flybridge boat of similar size.

By Matthew Zaccagnino

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