Rolls-Royce and Azimut Benetti Group co-operate for mtu propulsion systems for yachts

Rolls Royce and Azimut Benetti Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of megayachts over 24 metres, will be working more closely together on yacht propulsion systems in the future. The two companies have agreed a partnership and a four-year framework agreement for mtu diesel engines for Azimut and Benetti yachts together with the introduction of integrated mtu propulsion systems for the Azimut Grande Series up to 30 metre.

In the next future, the new models of the Azimut “Grande” Series will be equipped with complete, ready-to-install and particularly efficient propulsion systems consisting of mtu Series 2000 engines, ZF pod drives and mtu NautIQ marine automation. The co-operation also includes a wide range of services. Discussions are also underway regarding the delivery of integrated bridge solutions for the Azimut Grande Series.

“This is an enormous success for our yacht strategy ‘From Bridge to Propeller’, which we presented at the Yachting Festival in Cannes in September 2023,” said Denise Kurtulus, Senior Vice President Global Marine at Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division. “Since then, this offer has met with great interest in the yacht industry, especially among shipyards for series yachts. We are not only expanding our position as a premium supplier to the yacht industry, but also as a systems partner for our customers. And with the complete solution for the Azimut ‘Grande’ models, we are now also represented in the yacht class under 30 metres in length.”

“The Azimut Benetti Group has been a pioneer in the application of pod propulsion technology, believing in it from the very beginning. Today, we continue to invest in this solution, including through cooperation with companies like as Rolls-Royce with its mtu propulsion solutions, a reference in the large boat segment,” said Marco Valle, CEO of the Azimut Benetti Group.

The integrated pod drive solution shows its advantages in ship operation: with a 15% per cent higher efficiency compared to conventional drives, yachts can be operated with correspondingly lower carbon dioxide emissions, or cruise faster with the same fuel consumption. The swivelling pod also makes the yachts more maneuverable and reduces vibrations in the drive train. The additional installation of an electric motor on the pod makes it possible to upgrade it to a hybrid drive, for example to drive the yacht electrically in harbours or to hold its position dynamically.

Alessandro Rossi, Azimut Benetti Group Chief Product Officer, said: “This agreement for the development of new technical solutions together with Rolls-Royce is an important step in our strategy of continuous innovation, focus on offering visionary design solutions and improving environmental sustainability.” “Our long-term, customer-oriented concept of supporting our yacht customers with the Yacht Competence Centre in La Spezia is bearing fruit,” said Gianluca Bononi, Managing Director of the Italian subsidiary Rolls-Royce Solutions Italia.