Volvo Penta collaboration with Azimut wins two industry awards

Through this project, the two companies introduced the first hybrid-electric version of the Volvo Penta IPS Drive on the new Azimut Seadeck 7. This groundbreaking technology clinched two award wins in 2024.

An innovation award from the Marine Research Hub 
The Marine Research Hub (MRH) recognized Volvo Penta and Azimut with an MRH Innovation & Sustainability Award in the “Blue-Green Technology/Innovation” category. The award celebrates companies that develop innovative solutions that advance sustainability and address environmental challenges. MRH is a non-profit organization, working to build a blue economy. 

Award winners are chosen by an elite panel of independent judges, who select winning organizations that have demonstrated exemplary commitment and innovation in promoting sustainability across various sectors. Volvo Penta was named one of five finalists in the category before being declared the overall winner.

“In evaluating the Volvo Penta hybrid-electric IPS drive for the Blue-Green Technology Award, we felt that Volvo Penta aligned with the ideals of the award by prioritizing a clean, efficient, and eco-friendly solution for marine propulsion. By combining and optimizing electric motors, batteries, and diesel engines in the first yacht of its kind, the vessel is significantly more fuel-efficient and quieter. We feel this is a practical, sustainable, and enjoyable choice for both boaters and our marine ecosystem and congratulate Volvo on their achievement,” said Christine Battles, Advanced Mechanical Enterprises, Inc. 

MRH presented the award to Volvo Penta and Azimut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) 2024. FLIBS is one of the biggest shows of its kind in North America, with over 100,000 attendees. 

Winner of the Boat Builder Awards 
Azimut and Volvo Penta have been awarded at the prestigious Boat Builder Awards 2024 in the “Collaborative Solution between a Builder and its Supply Chain Partner” category,  

The award, organized by IBI and METSTRADE, was presented to the winners on Wednesday 20 November by the jury, which recognized the innovative nature of the technology developed by Volvo Penta and piloted for the first time in collaboration with the R&D Department of the Azimut|Benetti Group. 

The Boat Builder Awards, now in its tenth year, casts a spotlight on remarkable industry advances across 11 categories spanning design, innovation, collaboration, and more. All nominations are evaluated by an international panel of 10 judges, chaired by IBI Editorial Director, Ed Slack.  

A new yachting experience 
The revolutionary hybrid-electric package, installed for the first time on board this yacht, allows her to moor and sail in fully electric mode at speeds of up to 11 knots, smoothly switching between electric and thermal motors without the need for an onboard generator. The Hybrid Boost enables more powerful acceleration, while the energy recovery system allows for regeneration while sailing, and the fast charging mode enables quick battery recharges through the use of thermal engines. During anchorage, the onboard batteries power all onboard services for up to 12 hours, offering an intimate and completely silent experience at sea. The system also facilitates access to zero-emission zones, fully respecting the environment. 

Thanks to this new hybrid-electric system and advanced naval architecture, Azimut's Seadeck 7 allows discerning owners to achieve a reduction in emissions of up to 40%, representing the pinnacle of solutions currently available to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. 

“It is an honour for us to be recognised by the Boat Builder Awards jury for this successful collaboration with Volvo Penta that has enabled us to introduce, for the first time in this category, a yacht that combines hybrid power and Volvo Penta IPS propulsion. This innovative solution not only reduces fuel consumption and emissions but also enhances the onboard experience for our customers. We are thus positioning ourselves as a pioneering shipyard in this segment, thanks to our partnership with the best electrification specialist in the field,” commented Marco Valle, CEO of the Azimut|Benetti Group. 

“We are proud to have been recognized together with Azimut in our efforts to drive innovation forward on the path towards decarbonization within the marine industry,” said Johan Inden, President of the Marine Business at Volvo Penta. “Collaborating with like-minded pioneers is an essential aspect of shaping the future boating experience. In this pilot, we are demonstrating a winning combination of unique technology and cutting-edge yacht design – designed to drive efficiency, performance, and elevate the overall experience.” 
 
Learn more about the Volvo Penta and Azimut Seadeck 7 pilot collaboration.