Azimut-Benetti Group to use vegetable-derived biofuel in new yachts

Azimut-Benetti Group and Eni Sustainable Mobility have signed an agreement for the supply and use of HVOlution, a biofuel produced from renewable raw materials.

HVOlution, a biofuel made of 100 per cent HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil), is produced in Eni Sustainable Mobility’s Venice and Gela biorefineries from waste raw materials and vegetable residues, or from oils generated from crops that do not compete with the food chain.

Azimut-Benetti Group says, factoring in the entire logistics and production chain, HVOlution can deliver emissions reductions of ‘up to 90 per cent compared to the benchmark fossil blend’, depending on the raw materials used for its production.

Starting in summer 2023, Azimut-Benetti Group will introduce HVOlution to replace the fossil-based fuel currently used by the Azimut and Benetti brands for the technical testing of new yachts, sea trials and prototype model handling.

Owners will also be able to take delivery of new Azimut models with HVOlution biofuel in the tank (pictured left).

The collaboration between Azimut-Benetti Group and Eni Sustainable Mobility launches this month (June 2023) with the first voyage of Azimut’s new Magellano 60, which will travel from Savona to Taormina for its international premiere at the ‘Yachting Gala’ event organised by Azimut for over 600 owners from around the world.

“This first supply of biofuel to the recreational boating industry confirms that Eni Sustainable Mobility can support maritime operators on the path to decarbonisation. The agreement with Azimut|Benetti Group is a first step that will be followed in the coming months with increased sales of HVOlution to the maritime industry as well,” said Stefano Ballista, CEO of Eni Sustainable Mobility.

“For Azimut-Benetti Group, this agreement is a tangible step forward on the course we have charted out to reduce CO2 emissions,” says Azimut-Benetti Group president Giovanna Vitelli. “It is a result that enables us to extend our area of action in emissions reduction by involving the supply chain, with a focus on energy decarbonisation.”

Future projects to develop the distribution network are on the horizon for the partnership between Azimut-Benetti Group and Eni Sustainable Mobility, aimed at providing better access to biofuel and offering owners the possibility of refuelling with HVO.

In the initial phase involving bunkering operations, the plan will target Azimut-Benetti Group marinas as the first points of supply for private individuals in Italy.