On February 5th, less than two months after launching the massive FB277, historic Italian Shipyard Benetti launched the second of three recent 100+ metre projects that their yard has been commissioned to undertake. The 107 metre long “FB272” as it is currently known, is unique in the fact that it benefits from Hybrid propulsion. The FB272 has been crafted from a conventional combination of an aluminium superstructure and steel hull, thereby making the yacht suitable for “Passenger Yacht Code” compliance. The advanced hybrid propulsion system is made up of two diesel electric engines and two Azipods propulsion units powered via a custom battery pack that’s designed by the owner to ensure complete silence while cruising.
The Mega Yacht was designed through a collaboration between the owner and designer Zaniz Jakubowski. Zaniz, who is more famous as an architect and interior designer than a superyacht designer, is a relative newcomer compared to more established names, such as Tim Heywood, Andrew Winch, and Terence Disdale. Regardless of Zaniz’s new entry to the superyacht industry, the designer has truly created a noteworthy yacht not solely due to the ship’s sheer size, but also on the account of her remarkable amount of stunning glass windows and large volume.
The volume of FB272 is significant to say the least, with a displacement of 5,500 gross tons, a beam of 17 metres, and an overall length which crosses the 100 metre threshold. The yacht is also noteworthy for her technology, which includes a cutting edge Lutron domotic system.
Before the contract was signed for the build of the FB272, the owner spent a significant amount of time in the preliminary design phase. The owner began work on the yacht’s design with Hugo van Wieringen at Azure Naval Architects, and then with the help of Reymond Langton Design and Zaniz Jakubowski of Zaniz Interiors. However, the yacht’s design was continually refined following the contract signature by Benetti’s in-house designers.
FB272’s sharp exterior lines cross six decks and include a straight bow for superior ocean going ability. The yacht also benefits from a massive forward facing deck area where guests can enjoy a privileged view of what lay ahead. Social and dining spaces are ample across the yacht’s main deck, which is gracefully covered by the upper deck’s massive overhang that provides significant shade. Located on the upper deck is the wheelhouse, located above the wheelhouse is a private deck, and further above is a deck with a large certified helipad fully capable of providing refuelling and defueling.
The interior of FB272 was a collaborative effort of Zaniz Interiors and Benetti’s in-house designer, Giorgio M. Cassetta, who was also responsible for assisting in the yacht’s exterior design. The yacht’s voluminous interior is flooded with natural light thanks to an impressive amount of 3-metre high windows lining the superstructure, which amounts to a surface of 800 square metres of glass. Of particular note are the windows on the upper deck that are characterized by their uninterrupted structure, which makes the deck look like it is floating.
FB272’s highly experienced owner was responsible from inception for guiding the exterior design, deck plan, and demanding build specifications of the yacht. The owner’s representatives consisted of the Burgess Technical Services team on a full time basis to ensure exceptional engineering, build quality, and experienced uncompromising project management.
The yacht is equipped with six generators, which each produce 1,000 KW; the electricity produced by these generators is managed by an advanced system to power the two Azipods propulsion units of 2,200 KW each. Extra energy produced by the generators can charge over 30 tons of on-board batteries, which are capable of operating the yacht for twelve hours without any engine use.
The propulsion systems have been made by Caterpillar, Seastema, and ABB under the coordination of Benetti’s Technical Department with an intention of creating a vibration free yacht that will offer owner and guests “soundless cruising”. This technology allows for a more intimate communion with nature, such as when cruising on a large sailing yacht.
Another stand-out feature of the yacht is an impressive air conditioning system, which would allow FB272 to cruise in some of the world’s most challenging climates, such as the Persian Gulf. The air-conditioning system and chiller units were provided by H&H to meet the owner’s exacting requirements. The system is one of the most impressive ever installed on a yacht with a total cooling capacity of around 3,000KW.
Last, but surely not least, the yacht is fitted with an environmentally friendly waste heat recovery system, which is capable of feeding the yacht’s power requirements and eliminating electrical waste.
At the launch event, Azimut Benetti President Paolo Vitelli stated, “On this auspicious day, I could not be prouder to stand here among Benetti’s family, friends and colleagues to witness the launch of our latest enthralling creation. This iconic project has had a huge impact on local industry and, after more than 2 million hours of skilled work from over 100 suppliers, we can truly pronounce her as a wonderful achievement for Livorno and the “Made In Italy” ethos as a whole. The use of such a large number of suppliers is integral to the Benetti superyacht building philosophy: the perfect balance between the best “Made in Italy” craftsmanship with the most advanced technological and innovative solutions available on the international market.”
Following the launch, guests at the event were treated to lunch in the shed where FB272 was crafted. Throughout lunch, guests remarked at the exceptional meal and epic proportions of the shed.
Benetti’s recent surge in construction of large yachts has been stated as the product of the shipyards significant investment in their facilities to the necessary level of infrastructure to create massive world class yachts. Benetti has assembled a team of experts to ensure success in what they call their “Giga Yacht Program”. This effort includes the addition of industrial experts and improved steel sheds with a “roof as high as a cathedral”. According to Benetti, these additions have promoted quality and increased productivity at the yard to meet the needs of the most demanding owners.
For more information on Benetti please visit: www.benettiyachts.it
Images courtesy of: Azimut Benetti
