FPT Industrial, the Iveco Group brand dedicated to the design, production, and sale of low- environmental impact powertrains and a global leader in the sector, is taking a leading role alongside its authorized distributor Bimotor and VULKAN Italia in the technological overhaul of the MotoBattello 3, the first vaporetto – Venetian public waterbus – of Actv (a transit operator providing services on behalf of public transport body AVM – Azienda Veneziana della Mobilità) undergoing a hybrid retrofit, which will begin operational testing in the coming weeks, following its unveiling at the 2025 Venice Boat Show. A concrete example of a marine mobility conversion and of a new way of looking at boating to take in more sustainable solutions with ever-increasingly reduced environmental impact, the project has seen the development of a system which combines the hybrid drive system designed and manufactured by the VULKAN Hybrid and Electric Solutions team with FPT Industrial engines: a pioneering retrofit project to imagine a future for the sector which passes through modernization of the existing fleet, drastically reducing emissions.
The refitting of the MotoBattello 3 Series 80 Canal Grande revolutionized the vessel’s powertrain. The original diesel engine was replaced with a serial hybrid system, composed of an auxiliary FPT Industrial N67 450 N variable speed engine coupled to a variable speed generator integrated with a battery pack with eight LFP modules. The energy produced powers a 147 kW electric motor, responsible for the boat’s propulsion and auxiliary loads. The N67 engine is Stage V compliant without the need to install an exhaust after-treatment system (ATS).
As measured and certified during the bench testing carried out by VULKAN Italia and verified by Actv technicians, the new propulsion solution provides reductions in pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO, -32%), nitrogen oxides (NOx, -26%), particulate matter (PM, -31%), and unburned hydrocarbons (HC, -7%), for a total reduction in emissions of 28%. The new MotoBattello 3 powertrain will serve as a pilot project within the scope of the modernization plan for Actv’s lagoon fleet, opening up a new chapter of navigation in Venetian waters, a major part of the city’s DNA.
One of FPT Industrial’s most important pieces of heritage in the marine field, the NEF engines are the Brand’s most extensive product family for the segment, and are available in both mechanical and electronic version for recreational and professional applications, with power outputs ranging from 74 kW to 419 kW and from 63 kW to 390 kW, respectively. Inside the Industrial & Marine plant in Turin, the engines are marinized with a tailor-made approach able to meet the needs of a wide range of different applications.
In particular, the N67 engine guarantees reliability and performance, characteristics necessary during continuous usage such as that required for public transport applications. The advanced diagnostics systems and the low maintenance requirements, with oil and filter change intervals of up to 600 hours, allow downtime and costs to be minimized. Moreover, FPT Industrial’s Customer Service team guides every customer throughout the service life of their engines, helping them achieve perfect performance and optimize the repair and support processes.
Actv will also be supported in maintenance of the N67 engine by the Marghera site of Bimotor, FPT Industrial’s authorized distributor entirely dedicated to marine applications. Bimotor offers its customers a highly specialized facility where experience, reliability and expertise come together to provide a complete service: from sales and warehouse management of engines and spare parts, through to technical support, the internal workshop and overhauling of heat exchangers and radiators. A robust and reliable beacon for those looking for excellence in the maritime sector.
Andrea Arcuraci, Head of Sales, EMEA Dealers at FPT Industrial, stated: “This project perfectly exemplifies how FPT Industrial engines can play a leading role in the technological renewal of a wide range of applications, including on-road, off-road, marine, and power generation. Breathing new life into historic vessels such as those in the City of Venice’s fleet – integral to the city’s worldwide beauty and identity – is a source of great pride for us. The future of mobility also depends on the modernization of existing fleets, and FPT Industrial engines offer an ideal solution for this transition, including in hybrid systems like the MotoBattello 3. Such projects are made possible thanks to the commitment of our distributor network, which ensures comprehensive, continuous support, fully tailored to meet each customer’s specific requirements.”
N67 450 N 125 kW for MotoBattello 3 – Technical Specifications
Cylinder layout: 6L
Turbocharger: TCA
Displacement [liters]: 6.7
Injection system: Common Rail
Max power [hp @ rpm]: 170 @ 2300
Dry weight [kg]: 600
