Azimut-Benetti Group and Eni Sustainable Mobility have signed an agreement for the supply and use of Eni’s HVOlution-branded 100 percent renewable diesel.
Eni stated that this is the first yachting-industry agreement that targets decarbonization.
HVOlution, a biofuel made of 100 percent hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), is produced in Eni Sustainable Mobility’s Venice and Gela biorefineries in Italy from waste raw materials and vegetable residues, or from oils generated from crops that do not compete with the food chain, in a circular-economy model applied to mobility.
Factoring in the entire logistics and production chain, HVOlution can deliver emissions reductions of up to 90 percent compared to the benchmark fossil blend, depending on the raw materials used for its production.
Starting this summer, 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.
The collaboration between Azimut-Benetti Group and Eni Sustainable Mobility will be kicked off in early June by the first voyage of Azimut’s new Magellano 60, which will travel from Savona to Taormina in Italy for her international premiere at the “Yachting Gala” event organized 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 decarbonization,” said Stefano Ballista, CEO of Eni Sustainable Mobility. “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.”
Giovanna Vitelli, president of Azimut-Benetti Group, added, “For Azimut-Benetti Group, this agreement is a tangible step forward on the course we have charted out to reduce CO2 emissions. 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 decarbonization. At the present time, over half of Azimut’s fleet is made up of low-emission yachts, while Benetti has built the world's largest hybrid yacht as well as winning the ‘Green yacht of the year 2022’ award with the 37-meter Byond.”
Future projects to develop the distribution network are on the horizon for the partnership between Azimut-Benetti Group and Eni Sustainable Mobility, so providing better access to biofuel and offering owners the possibility of refueling 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.
