Azimut Benetti News

When Chinese billionaire Jack Ma took a trip to Spain's Mallorca island last month, much was made of it being his first foreign foray since a 2020 fallout with regulators had clipped his wings.However, Ma's sunny sojourn on his newly-built 88-metre (289 ft) cruise boat Zen - estimated to be worth $200 million - also put a spotlight on a global trend: the return of the superyacht.As the number of billionaires grows and COVID-19 has added to incentives for avoiding crowds, the multi…

Italian shipbuilding and Boat building company Benetti has launched the 44.06-meter superyacht Ink as their first addition to the Diamond 145 range at the Viareggio’s Benetti slipway.The 44-meter-long Class category flagship was given its baptism in the sea at an impressive ceremony in front of hundreds of spectators.Welcoming the Authorities, the public, suppliers and all the company’s workers and office staff, Azimut|Benetti Group President Paolo Vitelli spoke of a spectacular launch."Slipway launches are part of the history of Benetti shipyards. We have a great tradition and hundreds of yacht launches to our name, but the revolutionary features of the Class category today promise to bring Benetti new success.

With 50 years of history, the Azimut | Benetti Group is recognized as the world’s largest motor yacht builder (global orderbook 2019). For nearly 10 years Azimut has been producing a wide range of luxury motor yachts in Brazil. Maritime Reporter´s correspondent in Brazil interviewed Italian executive Davide Breviglieri, CEO of Azimut Yachts do Brasil.Founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli, still the main shareholder, the group is present in 70 countries and has a network of 138 sales and service offices, bringing together the successful brands Azimut Yachts and Benetti, each serving different market segments. “The Group offers a huge range of motor yachts, with over 45 models in production, from 34 feet to 100 meter super yachts.

Traditionally, Italy’s location and coastal development have continued to ensure the country a flow of income from its role as a strategic European hub in what has come to be known as the new “maritime century.” The country boasts of having the largest ferry fleet, the twelfth most extensive merchant shipping fleet in the world (fourth in Europe), and the third biggest European fishing fleet, with the national maritime cluster generating 3% of GDP. But its growing cruise industry is being looked upon as the game changer to the gradual slump being witnessed in the other sectors. Italy remains “one of the most important destinations, the market of origin for large cruise lines and a world leader in shipbuilding.

With its coastline of 7,800 km, Italy is expediently nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea with the surrounding waters creating a tremendous resource for Italian economy. Businesses linked to the sea, including ocean technology firms, contribute significantly to Italy’s gross domestic product totaling more than $40 billion and representing 2.6% of total GDP. The Italian shipyard industry ranks among the top 20 in the world with ship building and boat-building accounting for 64% of the industry turnover, totaling 6.3 billion Euro in 2012, and Technological Equipment placed at 2.2 billion Euro. Italy is also a world leader in yacht production with more than 49% of the market share.

MTU will be presenting its propulsion and system solutions at the International yachting “Festival de la Plaisance” in Cannes from September 9-14, 2014. Visitors will be able to discover the extensive portfolio of the Rolls-Royce Power Systems subsidiary at Stand JAS-025. An advanced Series 2000 M96 yacht engine which meets US emission stage EPA Tier 3 (for leisure craft) will be on view for the first time. “The latest generation of Series 2000 engines stands out with optimized acceleration and low fuel consumption. The engine meets EPA Tier 3 emission limits using in-engine technology only and without having to resort to exhaust aftertreatment”, explains Dr. Michael Haidinger, Chief Sales Officer at Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

A Monaco yacht show dedicated to the Green philosophy through numerous initiatives aimed at boosting environmental awareness in the world of pleasure craft. On Saturday 28 September, aboard the 55-meter Ocean Paradise built by Benetti shipyards, an event was held which left a notable green footprint on the decks of the super yachts: leading classification company RINA Services and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation joined forces to promote the sustainable use of wood in the yachting industry.

DNV MED-B certification opens yacht market for Navis AP4000 autopilot. Helsinki-based Navis Engineering Oy has passed an important milestone in the yacht sector, after receiving MED-B type approval for its latest generation type AP4000 autopilot from classification society Det Norske Veritas (DNV). Issued for a five-year period, the MED-B certificate provides assurance that the product complies with all the relevant international standards imposed on marine equipment of this type. The approval covers equipment delivery to newbuildings or existing vessels for retrofit.

USA Naiad Maritime Group, Inc. and VT Group plc (VT) announced Naiad Maritime Group’s completion of the acquisition of the collection of businesses known as the VT Motion Control Group, including Naiad Marine Systems, Maritime Dynamics, Vosper Motion Control and Vosper Stabilizers. The acquisition was led by John Venables, former Group President of the VT Motion Control businesses, with 27 years in various engineering and executive capacities at the companies. Venables will continue to lead the business as President & CEO of Naiad Maritime Group. Naiad Maritime Group, Inc. is comprised of Naiad Dynamics US, Inc., Naiad Dynamics UK, Limited, and Naiad Dynamics Holland, BV. It has operations in Connecticut, Maryland, Florida, and Washington, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Australia.