Azimut-Benetti Group has signed an agreement with Eni Sustainable Mobility for the supply and use of HVOlution, a biofuel produced from 100-percent renewable raw materials.
The yacht builder says it’s the first agreement of its kind in the yachting industry to target decarbonization.
“For Azimut-Benetti Group, this agreement is a tangible step forward on the course we have charted out to reduce CO2 emissions,” President Giovanna Vitelli stated in a press release. “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.”
HVOlution is made of hydrogenated vegetable oil that’s produced from waste raw materials and vegetable residues, or from oils generated by crops that do not compete with the food chain. The promise is for emissions reductions of up to 90 percent compared to a benchmark fossil-fuel blend, according to the companies.
Azimut-Benetti plans to start using HVOlution this summer for the technical testing of new yachts, sea trials and prototype model handling. Yacht owners will also be able to take delivery of new Azimut models with HVOlution biofuel in the tank. The first model expected to use the fuel is the new Magellano 60, in early June.
Biofuel access while cruising: Azimut-Benetti and Eni Sustainable Mobility also plan to work together on a distribution network for biofuel, starting at marinas in Italy.
Where to learn more: go to azimutbenetti.com
