HVOlution capabilities proven as Azimut completes first round of trials

The Azimut-Benetti Group has announced that they have completed the first round of trials for the HVOlution biofuel from Eni Sustainable Mobility, during the sea trials of the Azimut Magellano 60. The new biofuel is produced from 100 percent renewable raw materials and marks the start of the company’s agreement to target decarbonisation.

HVOlution is made from 100% Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and is produced in Eni Sustainable Mobility’s Venice and Gela biorefineries. The company uses raw waste materials and vegetable residues, as well as oils generated from crops that do not compete with the food chain.

The biofuel was trialled this month during the sea trials of the 18.47-metre Azimut Magellano 60 from Savona to Taormina in Italy, where the yacht made her international premiere at the Yachting Gala event organised by Azimut.

“We have accomplished the first phase of testing and recorded very satisfactory results in terms of both compatibility and performance, proving the effectiveness of the direction taken with HVOlution,” commented Alessandro Rossi, Chief Technical Officer of the Azimut|Benetti Group.

From Summer 2023, the Azimut|Benetti Group plans to introduce HVOlution to replace the fossil-based fuel currently used by the Azimut and Benetti brands. The biofuel will be used for the technical testing of new yachts, sea trials and prototype model handling.

Owners will also be able to take delivery of new Azimut models with HVOlution biofuel in the tank. According to Eni Sustainable Mobility, HVOlution is able to reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to the benchmark fossil blend. There are also future projects on the horizon with the Azimut|Benetti Group which plans to offer better access to biofuel for refuelling with HVO.