First of all, our products are made to last. Our yachts pass from owner to owner, undergoing modernisations and internal stylistic changes, while sailing the seas for many years. In terms of the product’s end of life, the Group’s yachts and their component parts can be entirely dismantled; interiors, engines, equipment and systems can all in fact be recycled. Secondly, our products are an expression of innovation, design and technology, placing us on the cutting-edge in terms of the use of materials and components.
With a view to reducing the environmental impact of its yachts, the Ferretti Group is constantly seeking innovative solutions, which involve both the choice and use of alternative materials and the application of coatings with a low biocide content. As far as the former are concerned, research is focusing on materials of natural origin that may be a good alternative to fiberglass. One of these materials is flax, which if mixed with low-toxicity epoxy resins, can be used in the construction of hulls instead of fibreglass. As far as the coatings are concerned, a distinction must be made here between coatings for hulls (e.g. anti-vegetation coatings) and coatings for interior furnishings (e.g. water-based coatings). Antifouling paints with a low or zero biocide component, play a central role in the first category. Regarding coatings for interior furnishings, the objective is to continue to increase the use of water-based coatings, seeking to significantly reduce the consumption of solvents within the Company.
Carbon fibre is another material that we are working on. It allows us to significantly lighten the hull, which is a key focus in obtaining lighter, more efficient - and particularly - less fuel-consuming yachts, cutting therefore greenhouse gas emissions.
In terms of propulsion, thanks to its innovative drive, Ferretti Group was the very first Group to introduce a pioneering Hybrid Propulsion solution, and it continues to innovate in its field. In fact, during 2021, the Ferretti Group began a collaboration with Rolls-Royce Power Systems (one of the leading suppliers of propulsion systems in the maritime industry) to jointly develop hybrid solutions to be fitted on future yachts. In addition, we are developing a full electric propulsion system for smaller yachts. This will allow vessels to make typical journeys (lake boats or ship’s tenders) using only electricity. The full electric concept satisfies modern pleasure boating expectations. In addition to improving the steering experience, the concept seeks to guarantee eco-compatibility and protect the environment (by reducing localised pollution and eliminating exhaust gases), all while improving on-board comfort by reducing noise and vibrations.
Another good example is the Wallytender 43, which can be fitted with photovoltaic panels that can power the whole yacht for several hours when in hotel mode. This option allows our yacht owners to enjoy on-board comforts in peace and quiet, while also respecting the environment.
The main objective regarding the efficiency of internal combustion engines remains that of reducing consumption and therefore emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In this area, selective catalytic reduction technology (SCR), which uses urea solutions as reduction agents, is regarded as a key technology.
In the end, as far as the Certifications are concerned, in 2019 Ferretti Group extended the ISO 14001:2015 Certification to all plants with the aim of analysing, optimising and where possible improving its environmental performance, both in terms of process and product. ISO 14001:2015 Certification, currently active at the La Spezia (2019), Forlì (2021), Cattolica and Sarnico (2022) sites and in the process of being obtained for all the other Group sites, is an internationally recognised reference and it contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability, with a view to preserving the environment.