From Bridge to Propeller: Rolls-Royce and Azimut Benetti Group co-operate for mtu propulsion systems for yachts

• Four-year partnership and framework agreement on cooperation signed
• Italian shipyard group increasingly focusing on mtu propulsion systems
• Drives now for series yachts under up to 30 metres
• Most powerful integrated engine-pod solution on the yacht market: ready-to-install powertrain with mtu engines, ZF pod drives and mtu NautIQ ship automation for Azimut “Grande” yacht line to provide 15% more efficiency compared to inboard shaft line and compact installation

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. 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,” 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.

Several configurations are available with outputs from 1,015 to 1,472 kilowatts - the most powerful engine-pod combination on the yacht market. The new Azimut Grande 30M will be equipped with mtu 12V2000M96 engines delivering 1342 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.

Alessandro Rossi, Azimut Benetti Group Chief Product Officer, said: “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. 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.”

“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. The integrated systems with perfectly harmonised components are the result of intensive cooperation with design offices and shipyards, whose requirements, wishes and ideas were directly incorporated into the development work. The complete mtu package for yacht builders, owners and crew also includes comprehensive service offerings via the global mtu network of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, from extended warranty to Premium Yacht Service.

Rolls-Royce will deliver the first mtu propulsion package this year so that Azimut will be able to deliver the first yachts in its successful “Grande” Series with the mtu drivetrain as early as 2025.

“We are convinced that this agreement will not only be the basis of a successful partnership. In fact, we see great potential in the development of the yacht models of the future thanks to the technological expertise of all those involved," said Gianluca Bononi.