Materials and solutions to reduce environmental impact

Boats are an expression of innovation, design and technology, of a quest for perfection that puts us at the cutting edge also in the use of materials and components.

With a view to reducing the environmental impact of its boats, Ferretti Group is always seeking innovative solutions that involve the choice and use of alternative materials, such as the application of paints with a low biocide content. The focus is increasingly on materials of natural origin that offer a good alternative to fibreglass. One such material is flax, which when mixed with low-toxicity epoxy resins can be used instead of fibreglass to manufacture hulls. So far as paints are concerned, we need to make a distinction between those used on hulls (e.g. anti-fouling) and those used for interior decoration (e.g. water-based paints). A central role in the first category is played by anti-fouling paints that have a low biocide content or are completely biocide-free. In the second, the goal is to continue to increase the use of water-based paints with the aim of reducing solvent consumption significantly.

Another material we are investing in is carbon fibre, which reduces hull weight and is an area of major interest for the production of lighter, more efficient yachts that consume less fuel, resulting in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Turning to the propulsion system, we were the first to introduce a state-of-the-art solution like Hybrid Propulsion and continue to innovate in this field. Back in 2021, Ferretti Group formed a partnership with Rolls-Royce Power Systems (a leading supplier of marine propulsion systems) to jointly develop hybrid solutions for tomorrow’s yachts. We are also working on the development of a full-electric propulsion system for smaller boats. El-Iseo is the fully electric version of the much-loved Iseo, the versatile and seductively modern looking 27-foot runabout whose sophisticated spirit lives on in the hull, deck, style and colours of the new boat. El-Iseo is powered by a Parker GVM310 full electric engine.

Another virtuous example of the Group’s efforts is Wally, which offers the option of installing photovoltaic panels on wallytender43 to provide several hours of autonomy in hotel mode. This gives owners a way to enjoy their yacht’s on-board comforts in silence and, above all, without hurting the environment.

Work to improve the efficiency of internal combustion engines continues to focus on reducing consumption and therefore emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In this area, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology using urea solutions as reducing agents is regarded as a key technology.

Finally, on the subject of certification, in 2019 Ferretti Group began the process of extending ISO 14001:2015 certification to all its production centres, with the aim of analysing, optimising and where possible improving its environmental performance in terms of both processes and products. ISO 14001:2015 certification, which has now been issued to the facilities in La Spezia (2019), Forlì (2021), Cattolica and Sarnico (2022) and is nearing completion for the Group’s other production sites, is internationally recognised and contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability, with a view to protecting the environment.