Azimut and Rolls-Royce partner on mtu propulsion

In a move set to harness ‘great potential in the development of the yacht models’, Rolls-Royce and Azimut|Benetti group will be working more closely together on yacht propulsion systems in the future. They’ve agreed a partnership and a four-year framework agreement as the basis of a successful partnership – and more. Rolls-Royce is set to deliver the first mtu propulsion package this year so that Azimut will be able to deliver the first yachts in its Grande series with the mtu drivetrain as early as 2025.

It’s part of Azimut|Benetti’s collaboration strategy in order to add even more technological content to the series, as well as deliver benefits in terms of efficiency and layout. The company will also increasingly equip new megayachts with mtu propulsion systems from Rolls-Royce, consisting of mtu diesel engines, conventional transmissions and automation.

This follows recent Azimut|Benetti Group has detailed its financial results for the year 2023/2024, with revenues of €1.3 billion and a predicted 15 per cent growth forecast for the following year.

“We continue to invest in this solution, including through cooperation with companies like as Rolls-Royce with its mtu propulsion solutions,” says Marco Valle, CEO of the Azimut|Benetti group.

The moves comes as the Italian shipyard group increasingly focuses on mtu propulsion systems. The new agreement framework covers mtu diesel engines for Azimut and Benetti yachts and the introduction of integrated mtu propulsion systems for the Azimut Grande Series up to 30 metres. New models of the series will come with propulsion systems consisting of mtu Series 2000 engines, ZF pod drives and mtu NautIQ marine automation.

“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,” says Gianluca Bononi, MD of the Italian subsidiary Rolls-Royce Solutions Italia.

The agreement also includes a wide range of services. Discussions are underway regarding the delivery of integrated bridge solutions for the Azimut Grande Series.

The agreement is being touted as an enormous success for Rolls Royce’s yacht strategy ‘from bridge to propeller’ which the company presented in Cannes last year. “Since then, this offer has met with great interest in the yacht industry, especially among shipyards for series yachts,” says Denise Kurtulus, senior vice president global marine at Rolls-Royce’s power systems division. “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 describes itself as a pioneer in the application of pod propulsion technology and says it has believed in it since its inception. The integrated pod drive is said to offer a 15 per cent per cent higher efficiency compared to conventional drives, and 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 manoeuvrable 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 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.

One of the aspects Alessandro Rossi, Azimut|Benetti group chief product officer is focusing on the possibilities which the drive will offer in terms of ‘unmatched layout and unexpected spaces in three decks’. He says the technical characteristics of the pod are perfectly matched with the company’s ’low emission yachts’ key factors – significant propulsion efficiency, weight reduction and innovative naval architecture.

“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,” Rossi says.

Azimut|Benetti isn’t the only company exploring options with Rolls-Royce. Earlier this year, Sanlorenzo launched its first superyacht with methanol-powered interior. The company’s set out a clear path toward carbon neutrality, with exclusive strategic agreements in mobility and sustainable energy, such as with Siemens Energy and Rolls-Royce Solution GmbH – Global Marine (MTU), for the development of the innovative and environmentally friendly solutions. Rolls-Royce’s business unit power systems is also partnering with superyacht refit, repair and maintenance company MB92 Group to provide sustainable propulsion and energy management systems for the group’s global fleet of existing superyachts.