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Azimut and Volvo Penta Seadeck 7 hybrid’s Cannes premiere
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Italian luxury yacht brand Azimut and Swedish propulsion producer Volvo Penta collaborate to advance hybridisation and electrification in leisure craft unveiled this week
At the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024, Azimut and Volvo Penta this week introduced the world’s first yacht to combine Volvo Penta IPS with hybrid power. The new 21.88m (71ft 9in) Seadeck 7 is equipped with Volvo Penta’s helm-to-propeller hybrid-electric package, piloted for the first time in collaboration with Azimut.
The Azimut Seadeck 7 cuts a sleek profile and performs with reduced decibels and emissions thanks to its design, hybrid tech and materials used
The Seadeck 7 is the world’s first yacht to combine hybrid power with Volvo Penta IPS propulsion, based on revolutionary Volvo Penta hybrid-electric pilot technology. For the first time, a yacht combines diesel engines, electric motors, and batteries with the efficiency of Volvo Penta IPS drives, allowing hybrid operation without a generator. The Seadeck 7 can cruise in pure electric mode up to 11 knots and stay at anchor with zero emissions for up to 12 hours, aiming to significantly enhance onboard comfort and sustainability.
“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, said Giovanna Vitelli, Chair Azimut-Benetti Group. “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 similar to that of cars – meaning it shifts from electric to 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.”
In this pilot project, Volvo Penta introduces a fully integrated hybrid-electric package, from helm to propeller, ensuring seamless operation and power management on the Seadeck 7. This system, a pilot of Volvo Penta’s recently announced D13 IPS hybrid-electric package, guarantees smooth transitions between power modes, enhancing performance, efficiency, and ease of use. Features include near-silent cruising at low speeds, silent nights onboard using batteries, and Joystick Docking in Electric Mode for smooth docking and departure. The system also facilitates access to emission-free zones, allowing closer encounters with nature.
Compared to traditional planing yachts with an inboard shaft line and a similar size, the Seadeck 7’s tech package, extensive use of up to 40 per cent carbon fibre, and enhanced hull design efficiency can allow for a reduction of up to 40 per cent of CO2 emissions in a typical year of use.
This collaboration with Volvo Penta and Azimut-Benetti R&D Department aims to refine the hybrid-electric experience. The Seadeck 7, equipped with the hybrid-electric package, introduces new electric and hybrid drive modes, supported by advanced engine monitoring and Volvo Penta’s global service network.
“Our collaboration with Azimut reflects our shared vision to push boundaries and elevate the boating experience through technological innovation and enhanced design,” said Johan Inden, President of the Marine Business at Volvo Penta. “It is designed to ensure an easy and intuitive experience for owners and captains.”
The Seadeck 7 features a twin Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1350 Hybrid package, paired with a 160kW electric motor, ensuring powerful performance when necessary, maneuverability, quiet cruising and efficiency. The electric motor and diesel engine work in parallel, allowing seamless transitions and efficient operation.
The Volvo Penta IPS 1350 Hybrid used in the pilot Azimut Seadeck 7
The Seadeck 7, part of Azimut’s first hybrid series, features a reconfigured open cockpit and sea-level outdoor lounge for enhanced water contact, called the Fun Island. By combining weight reduction in the deck and superstructure – including more carbon fibre, and Volvo Penta’s hybrid-electric system, the Seadeck 7 enhances comfort and space. It has obtained the Rina Green Plus Platinum certification.
The hybrid-electric package offers four navigation options: Pure Electric mode for zero-emission sailing up to 11 knots, Hybrid Standard: switching from electric to diesel, Hybrid Boost: for enhanced 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.
The hybrid experience offers smooth cruising, an electric boost in acceleration, and excellent driveline response; the package also features Joystick Docking in Pure Electric mode, which is smooth and responsive. The extensive battery bank supports off-grid living and quiet electric cruising at low speeds allows closer proximity to nature and access to protected areas. During nights at anchor, the system enables silent, comfortable off-grid mooring, with batteries recharged during the voyage or while docking.
This pilot project aims to demonstrate reliability and outstanding performance as the package is targeted to become integral to the Azimut Seadeck series, offering a market-defining hybrid-electric experience.
The Seadeck 7 is available for pre-order, with delivery starting in 2026, and is currently on display at the Cannes Yachting Festival until Sunday September 15, 2024.
