The manufacturer of megayachts over 24 meters, Azimut Benetti Group, will be working more closely with Rolls-Royce Power Systems on yacht propulsion systems in the future.
The two companies have agreed on a partnership and a four-year framework agreement for mtu diesel engines for Azimut and Benetti yachts, along with the introduction of integrated mtu propulsion systems for the Azimut Grande Series up to 30 meters. In the near future, new models of the Azimut Grande Series will be equipped with complete, ready-to-install, and highly efficient propulsion systems consisting of mtu Series 2000 engines, ZF pod drives, and mtu NautIQ marine automation. The cooperation 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 meters in length.”
Advantages of Integrated Pod Drive Solutions for Azimut Grande Yachts
“The Azimut Benetti Group has been a pioneer in the application of pod propulsion technology, believing in it from the very beginning,” said Marco Valle, CEO of the Azimut Benetti Group. “Today, we continue to invest in this solution, including through cooperation with companies like Rolls-Royce with its mtu propulsion solutions, a reference in the large boat segment. At this point in the market, we believe it is particularly strategic to collaborate to provide even more technological content to our demanding ‘Grande’ Series consumers, as well as the high benefits it offers in terms of efficiency and layout.”
The integrated pod drive solution shows its advantages in ship operation: With a 15% 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 swiveling pod also makes the yachts more maneuverable and reduces vibrations in the drivetrain. 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 harbors or to hold its position dynamically.
Several configurations are available with outputs ranging from 1,015 to 1,472 kilowatts, making it the most powerful engine-pod combination on the yacht market, Rolls-Royce says. The new Azimut Grande 30M will be equipped with mtu 12V2000M96 engines delivering 1,342 kW and ZF pod drives of the new, more powerful 4900 variant. “The mtu NautIQ Blue Vision NG marine automation system, together with a ZF control system, monitors and controls all the functions of the drivetrain.”
Azimut Benetti Group will also increasingly equip new megayachts with mtu propulsion systems from Rolls-Royce, consisting of mtu diesel engines, conventional transmissions, and automation, the company says.
