A new, extensive photovoltaic system has been installed at refit specialist yard Amico & Co in Genoa, Italy, which will cover 53 percent of the annual needs of the shipyard and Waterfront Marina production activities, supplying renewable energy.

The on-site system occupies an area of over 4,300 square meters (46,285 square feet) with an array of 1,782 solar panels developing a maximum power of about 1 MegaWatt peak (1MWp). The new investment made by Amico & Co represents another important step toward clean manufacturing and fuller integration of the superyacht activities with the city of Genoa.

With commissioning complete on the new photovoltaic system installed on site, Amico & Co—a Genoese company which is a global leader in the refit and repair of superyachts and megayachts—will be able to produce 53 percent of its shipyard and marina energy consumption through renewable sources. The largest privately built solar array in a port area in Italy, the new system extends over the roofs of the shipyard hangars and offices, as well as the marina buildings. The system was manufactured by Ceresa Next, a service company based near Turin, which develops renewable energy and electrification solutions for industrial customers, established in 2020 as a spin-off of Fratelli Ceresa, a company founded in 1921 and historically active in the energy services market for condominium clients.

With this latest investment of around $1.1 million, Amico & Co has taken another step toward its clean manufacturing objective, giving another contribution to creating an economic ecosystem perfectly compatible with the city. It’s capable of generating value and wealth in the area and solidifies Genoa as an international capital for superyacht operations, at the forefront not only of professionalism, but also of levels of environmental sustainability.

There have been numerous interventions over the years aimed at zeroing emissions from vessels stopping at Amico & Co for works, and reducing the impact of repair works, starting with electrification of the shipyard’s docks in 2007/2009. That followed with construction of permanent hangars and fixed structures (drydocks) which are capable of efficiently confining and isolating vessels during works, from 2010/2014.

In 2019 Amico & Co inaugurated the ShipLift, a fully electrified haulage, launching and handling system for vessels up to 95 meters (312 feet) LOA in situ, with zero emissions. Two years later, Amico & Co opened a berthing facility, Waterfront Marina, where moored yachts are connected to shore electricity and sewage networks.

“With some pride, we can say that since the very start of our activities with greater intensity since the early 2000s, we have made investments that have gone in the direction of what we now call sustainability,” says Alberto Amico, president of Amico & Co S.p.A. “Our strategy was and is the implementation of work process efficiency, particularly through covered and permanent warehouses and other facility technologies, which guarantee 73 percent consumption savings when compared to any temporary facility.”

Superyachts represent a growing market worldwide, with over 5,700 units afloat today and a forecast of 7,700 in 2030. In this sector, Amico & Co confirms its leadership as a refit yard and service hub, with over 130 projects completed every year, 35 percent of which is on vessels over 60 meters (197 feet) in length. During June of this year, Amico & Co will publish its first Sustainability Report according to the GRI guidelines, providing a transparent picture of the company’s performance and future goals from an ESG perspective.

Amico & Co provides service and refit of superyachts from 30 to 140 meters (98 to 459 feet) in length. Founded in 1991, it boasts a 90 percent international clientele with more than 130 projects executed on average each year, ranking it among the leading companies in the sector worldwide. The shipyard operates in the Port of Genoa on a total area of over 60,000 square meters (645,834 square feet), and is able to accommodate large yachts with no length limits, offering covered dry-docking for yachts up to 100 meters (328 feet) in length.

Since 2021, Waterfront Marina has been part of Amico & Co. It is a berthing facility offering hospitality to large yachts, their crews, owners and charter managers, accommodating up to 26 yachts up to 110 meters (361 feet) LOA in a water area of 43,000 square meters (462,848 square feet). To these another 15,000 square meters (161,458 square feet) are added on land dedicated to services and amenities: a lounge and meeting area with kitchens, toilets and laundry facilities, changing rooms and a yoga studio, a fully equipped gym and technical offices; a fitness area with three courts for tennis, paddle and multi-sports courts, a barbecue area and a car park with over 100 spaces, including 13 spaces for electric cars.