Hybrid and Electric Technologies in the Ferretti Group’s Yacht Portfolio

The Ferretti Group, a leader in the luxury yachting industry, is making strides toward sustainability through the adoption of hybrid and electric propulsion technologies. With its portfolio of brands—including Riva, Custom Line, Ferretti Yachts, and more—the group is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint while maintaining the high performance and luxury standards associated with its name. This report explores the key hybrid and electric models in the Ferretti Group’s lineup and highlights its strategy for achieving a greener future in the luxury yachting sector.

Electrification and Hybrid Innovations

The Ferretti Group is embracing a comprehensive electrification strategy, integrating both hybrid and fully electric propulsion systems in several models. This move aligns with the global shift toward more sustainable boating practices and positions Ferretti as a pioneer in eco-friendly luxury yachts.

1. Riva 70 Metri The Riva 70 Metri, the largest flagship ever built by Riva, is equipped with a cutting-edge hybrid propulsion system. This 230-foot superyacht integrates traditional diesel engines with a Power Take-Off/Power Take-In (PTO/PTI) configuration, allowing for increased energy efficiency and reduced emissions. The yacht also features heat-recovery technology, which utilizes waste heat generated by the engines for onboard systems, enhancing overall sustainability and minimizing environmental impact.

2. Riva El-Iseo The Riva El-Iseo represents the brand’s first fully electric model, highlighting its commitment to sustainable innovation. The 27-foot runabout is powered by a high-capacity lithium battery pack and a Parker GVM310 electric motor, offering zero-emission cruising for several hours. This electric propulsion system provides silent operation, making the El-Iseo ideal for navigating in protected marine environments and entering ports without disturbing the surroundings.

3. Custom Line Navetta 30 The Custom Line Navetta 30 can be configured as a plug-in hybrid model designed for long-range cruising with minimal environmental impact. It combines twin MAN diesel engines with electric motors, offering three operational modes: Pure Electric Mode, Hybrid Mode, and Boost Mode. The Pure Electric Mode enables emission-free cruising at low speeds, making it ideal for entering harbors or cruising in sensitive areas. This hybrid system also enhances fuel efficiency, reducing overall operating costs and emissions.

4. Ferretti Yachts INFYNITO Series The Ferretti Group’s INFYNITO series, which includes models such as the INFYNITO 80 and INFYNITO 90, does not feature electric motors as part of their propulsion systems. Instead, these yachts utilize Ferretti’s Sustainable Enhanced Architecture (F.S.E.A.) technology, which includes various sustainable solutions like solar energy collection and storage in lithium battery packs. The F.S.E.A. package allows the yachts to operate in “Hotel Mode” using battery power for up to eight hours at anchor, ensuring zero emissions and silent operation. Engines would be off.

Strategy for Electrification and Future Outlook

The Ferretti Group’s electrification strategy encompasses a broad range of hybrid and electric technologies tailored to different yacht sizes and use cases. The introduction of fully electric models like the Riva El-Iseo and hybrid superyachts such as the Riva 70 Metri demonstrates the group’s commitment to pioneering sustainable yachting solutions. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and collaborating with industry-leading partners, Ferretti is expanding its portfolio to include more sustainable options without compromising on luxury or performance.

Benefits of Hybrid and Electric Yachts

The integration of hybrid and electric propulsion systems across Ferretti’s lineup offers several key benefits:

1. Environmental Impact Reduction: Hybrid and electric systems significantly lower CO2 and NOx emissions, helping to preserve marine ecosystems and comply with international environmental regulations.
2. Fuel Efficiency: Hybrid systems optimize fuel consumption by using electric power at low speeds and diesel engines for higher speeds, enhancing the range and reducing overall fuel costs.
3. Acoustic Comfort: Electric motors produce less noise and vibration compared to traditional engines, creating a more serene onboard experience and minimizing noise pollution.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Hybrid and electric propulsion enable compliance with evolving regulations such as IMO Tier III standards, which mandate stricter emission limits for marine engines.

Electrification Across the Portfolio

The Ferretti Group is systematically expanding its electrification strategy to include more models across its various brands:

• Riva: With the El-Iseo and 70 Metri, Riva is at the forefront of incorporating both hybrid and fully electric propulsion.
• Custom Line: Hybrid capabilities in models like the Navetta 30 are setting a new standard for luxury and efficiency.
• Ferretti Yachts: The INFYNITO series is exploring innovative ways to combine luxury, performance, and sustainability in hybrid models.

These developments mark the beginning of a broader electrification roadmap that will see more hybrid and electric yachts launched in the coming years.

While the Ferretti Group has made strides in its sustainability journey by introducing hybrid and electric propulsion technologies in flagship models like the Riva 70 Metri and the fully electric Riva El-Iseo, achieving a complete transition across its diverse lineup remains a significant challenge. For high-performance brands like Wally and Pershing, which are renowned for speed and agility, adopting hybrid waterjet systems could be a pivotal step forward—particularly given Wally’s history of using waterjets as the primary propulsion method in many of its previous models.

Leveraging hybrid waterjet configurations, where electric motors work in tandem with traditional engines, would enable Wally and Pershing to maintain their hallmark performance characteristics while offering quieter, more efficient operation. This would allow for zero-emission cruising in sensitive marine environments and the ability to switch seamlessly to diesel power for higher speeds.

As Ferretti expands its focus on sustainable propulsion for these iconic brands, it can redefine how speed, luxury, and sustainability coexist in modern yachting. However, the journey toward a fully electrified fleet is still in its early stages, and each brand will need to carefully balance the adoption of these technologies while preserving its unique identity and core appeal.