Rolls Royce and Azimut Benetti Group are to work together on yacht propulsion systems for 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 metres.
New models of the Azimut Grande Series will be equipped with complete, ready-to-install propulsion systems consisting of mtu Series 2000 engines, ZF pod drives and mtu NautIQ marine automation.
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.”
At this point in the market, we believe it is particularly strategic to collaborate.
Marco Valle, CEO Azimut Benetti Group
Marco Valle, CEO of the Azimut Benetti Group, added: “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.
“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.”
Several configurations are available with outputs from 1,015 to 1,472 kilowatts.
The new Azimut Grande 30M will be equipped with mtu 12V2000M96 engines delivering 1342kW 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.
“This agreement for the development of new technical solutions together with Rolls-Royce, consisting of mtu engines, and ZF Pods and mtu NautIQ automation is an important step in our strategy of continuous innovation, focus on offering visionary design solutions and improving environmental sustainability,” said Alessandro Rossi, Azimut Benetti Group chief product officer.
“In the new Grande 30M, the compact propulsion installation will offer the possibility to introduce an unmatched layout and unexpected spaces in three decks, while the technical characteristics of the pod are perfectly matching with our low emission yachts key factors, based on significant propulsion efficiency, weight reduction and innovative naval architecture.”
Rolls-Royce will deliver the first mtu propulsion package this year with the first Azimut yachts installed with the mtu drivetrain due in 2025.
