Refit boost
Lusben strengthens its yacht refit and after-sales services with an expanded Livorno facility and a new collaboration with Benetti designed to enhance long-term fleet management.
24 February 2025
Advertisement
During the 25th Benetti Yachtmaster, which hosted over 200 captains and industry professionals in Marrakesh from 12 to 14 February 2025, Lusben, the Azimut-Benetti Group’s refit division, announced a collaboration with Benetti to provide tailored fleet management solutions for Benetti yacht owners beyond the warranty period.
“Being part of the same group and having spent six years at Benetti as custom operations director have given me a comprehensive perspective on the industry, allowing me to understand the specific needs of each department and foster effective collaboration across all functions,” says Ferdinando Pilli, general manager of Lusben.
“Thanks to this integration and Lusben’s extensive know-how—built on over 60 years of refit experience and now enhanced by the completion of the Livorno site expansion—we can offer Benetti clients a highly specialised service designed to optimise the performance and longevity of their yachts.”
Advertisement
The new hub will provide continuous support through a five-year maintenance contract, customised refits and full assistance, including spare parts, documentation and technical consulting.
“The management of Benetti’s after-sales service is a strategic step toward further enhancing our clients’ experience,” says Gianni Paladino, Lusben’s commercial director. “Our in-depth knowledge of the product and the excellence of the Livorno and Viareggio yards’ infrastructure enables us to deliver top-tier solutions beyond the warranty period, ensuring ongoing, highly qualified support.”
Lusben has completed an investment plan initiated in 2023 to expand its operational capacity. The Livorno production site has been significantly enlarged following the acquisition of the dry dock area in May 2022. A €12m (A$19.7m) investment has doubled the total surface area to 220,000 sqm—90,000 sqm allocated to the shipyard and 130,000 sqm to the adjacent water basin. This expansion allows Lusben to simultaneously accommodate up to three yachts over 100 metres on land, in addition to existing berthing facilities.
The total number of available berths has increased to 36 on land and 32 in the water. The site also includes a 2,400-ton synchro-lift, a 180-metre floating dock with an 18,000-ton capacity, and a dedicated dry dock for in-water maintenance. Additionally, an 8.5-metre-deep inspection pit for sailing yachts has been introduced, the largest of its kind in the Mediterranean.
“The expansion of the Livorno site is a crucial step forward in Lusben’s growth and enables us to accommodate and operate on larger vessels to the highest standards of excellence,” says Pilli. “Our immediate goal is to complete the ongoing investments, further enhancing crew facilities and developing new office buildings.
“The transformation of this ‘gateway to the sea’ has made Livorno an increasingly attractive destination, much like what happened in Viareggio in recent years.
“Our vision is to turn Livorno into a centre of excellence for the yachting industry, bridging the gap between the city and the shipyard while delivering a top-tier experience in line with the world’s leading yachting destinations.”
Lusben has over 60 years of experience in yacht refitting and operates across facilities in Viareggio, Livorno and Varazze. The shipyard delivers bespoke refit and service projects for superyachts and sailing yachts.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
