MAN supplies Smart Hybrid Experience to yacht builder Benetti

Benetti is an Italian yacht builder which has been producing vessels since 1873. The company recently premiered its lates model, the B.Neos, the latest generation of 40-meter motor yacht, which features a hybrid drive from MAN Engines.

This is the first time the MAN Smart Hybrid Experience has been fitted as a standard powertrain for any vessel. As the name suggests, this is a combination of a high-performance diesel engine and integrated electric motor.

MAN V8-900 Hybrid engine (Photo: MAN Engines)

The drive comprises two MAN V8-900 with 662 kW (900 hp) and two 200 kW electric motors. The combination, with the addition of the MAN SCR system, allows the powertrain to meet emissions requirements as outlined in the IMO Tier 3 directive.

Bringing together combustion and electric motors gives the B.Neos a range of operating modes. This allows the flexibility to meet any local port emissions regulations. In hotel mode, the yacht can function for ‘many hours’ on battery power (while exact timeframe is dictated by installed battery capacity).

“The MAN Smart Hybrid Experience is the result of close cooperation with Benetti, which ensures robust software and seamless interface functions for certain drive groups – all perfectly integrated into the B.Neos system architecture and tailored to the needs of customers,” said Reiner Roessner, head of Sales, MAN Engines.

For owners and guests, the hybrid drive delivered lower noise levels and less vibration to deliver a higher level of comfort than previously available. With reduced fuel consumption and improved efficiency, the MAN Smart Hybrid Experience is said to be a future-proof drive.