Azimut and Volvo Penta unveil hybrid electric yacht
Azimut and Volvo Penta have unveiled a 21.88m yacht – named the Seadeck 7 – which combines diesel engines, a 160kW electric motor and batteries with a pilot of Volvo Penta’s D13 IPS hybrid electric package. This combination enables hybrid operation without a generator.
The Seadeck 7, part of Azimut’s first hybrid yacht series, has obtained the Rina Green Plus Platinum certification. It is constructed from a combination of GRP and carbon fiber and features a reinvented cockpit and sea-level outdoor lounge for enhanced water contact, known as the Fun Island.
Hybrid electric features
The hybrid electric package integrates intelligent technology, including the Volvo Penta Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) and drive modes. These enable joystick docking, joystick steering, and dynamic positioning system (DPS) in pure electric and hybrid modes. The glass cockpit system provides an interface displaying drive modes and battery status. The EVC system enables engine monitoring and data sharing, ensuring premium support through Volvo Penta’s service network.
The hybrid electric package also offers four navigation options: pure electric mode for zero-emission sailing up to 11kts, hybrid standard mode switching from electric to diesel, hybrid boost mode for improved acceleration, and the upcoming cross-over mode. In hotel mode, the batteries power all services for up to 12 hours in silence and without CO2 emissions, eliminating the need for a traditional generator.
Charging options include a CCS2 standard interface that supports shore charging and charging via the combustion engine, which is available while underway and when at anchor or docked. Additional support features encompass engine status monitoring, data sharing and software updates.
Compared with traditional planing yachts with an inboard shaft line and a similar size, the Seadeck 7’s technological package, use of carbon fiber (up to 40%) and hull design efficiency can reportedly enable a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 40% in a typical year of use.
Electric on-water experience
According to the partners, the vessel’s hybrid experience offers smooth cruising, an electric boost in acceleration, seamless transitions, reduced noise and excellent driveline response.
The battery bank supports off-grid living. Electric yacht cruising at low speeds enables closer proximity to nature and access to protected areas. During nights at anchor, the system enables silent, off-grid mooring, with batteries recharged during the voyage or while docking.
Giovanna Vitelli, chair of Azimut|Benetti Group, said, “When it comes to reducing CO2 emissions, our approach is aimed at generating tangible results now, also by developing new solutions that we are already implementing at a prototype stage. Boats under 24m are the most prevalent in our waters, therefore making a difference in this segment of vessels means making a difference for many owners. The Volvo Penta hybrid electric package installed on the Seadeck 7 has a mode of use similar to that of cars, meaning that it shifts from an electric to a diesel engine based on speed. It guarantees simplicity of use, reduced consumption and CO2 emissions, and improved life on board. Everything is in place to change the rules of the game.”
Johan Inden, president of the marine business at Volvo Penta, commented, “Our collaboration with Azimut reflects our shared vision to push boundaries and elevate the boating experience through technological innovation and enhanced design. The Seadeck 7, equipped with our fully integrated hybrid electric system, marks a significant step forward in marine technology. It not only showcases the future of hybridization and electrification but also is designed to ensure an easy and intuitive experience for owners and captains. And we believe an elevated experience will be the ultimate pacemaker for the sustainability transformation.”
In related news, Northern Offshore Services (N-O-S) recently unveiled its new I-Class crew transfer vessel (CTV) powered by the first real-world commercial application of Volvo Penta’s IPS Professional Platform. Click here to read the full story.
