Giovanna Vitelli, Chair of the Azimut|Benetti Group, has been honored by the Mayor of Livorno for her outstanding contribution to the sustainable development of the blue economy—an issue at the heart of the Biennale del Mare e dell’Acqua. The award was also presented to journalist Donatella Bianchi and architect Carlo Ratti

Giovanna Vitelli is among the prominent recipients of the inaugural Premi Blu Livorno, announced at the conclusion of the Biennale del Mare e dell’Acqua and officially presented during a ceremony held on July 9 at the Livorno City Hall—the city that proudly hosts the largest Benetti shipyard.

The award, presented by Mayor Luca Salvetti and Councillor for Culture Angela Rafanelli, recognizes the Group’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability, reflected in its strategic vision and concrete actions aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions. Azimut|Benetti stands today as the global leader in the yachting sector for its achievements in this field, offering the industry’s most extensive fleet of low-emission yachts. This leadership is the result of a journey that began more than two decades ago, integrating cutting-edge technologies—including hybrid-electric propulsion systems, high-efficiency hulls, and widespread use of carbon fiber—with the adoption of HVO biodiesel, a renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

The Biennale del Mare e dell’Acqua – Blu Livorno, during which the awards were conferred, is an initiative organized by the Municipality of Livorno that took place in May. The program featured a series of events, workshops, and panel discussions focused on key topics such as sustainability, coastal erosion, water resource management, circular economy, and blue innovation.

Alongside Giovanna Vitelli, this year’s awardees include Donatella Bianchi, a journalist and television host best known for over 30 years of presenting Linea Blu, and former President of WWF Italy and the Cinque Terre National Park; and Carlo Ratti, an architect, urban planner, and Professor of the Practice of Urban Technologies and Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he also directs the MIT Senseable City Lab. He is also a Full Professor at Politecnico di Milano, where he teaches Strategic Vision for the Building Engineering of the Future.

Commenting on the recognition, Giovanna Vitelli stated:
“It was my father who chose Livorno and brought our company—and, in many ways, the local community—onto the world stage. Behind every yacht we build lies the work of many individuals, and our mission is to continue creating value and opportunities for the region, crafting extraordinary objects that embody the spirit and excellence of Made in Italy.”