We interviewed Managing Director Ferdinando Pilli, who told us about the strategies, investments, and new skills of a shipyard that looks to the future while remaining firmly rooted in its industrial heritage.

In the Mediterranean refit and repair landscape focused on large sailing and motor yachts, Lusben today represents one of the most advanced hubs in terms of technical capability, organization, and infrastructure. The Azimut|Benetti Group company is experiencing a phase of strong expansion, supported by an investment plan announced in 2023, aimed at consolidating the shipyard’s leadership in the large yacht segment, both motor and sailing.

We met Ferdinando Pilli, Managing Director of Lusben — a naval engineer with long-standing experience in the construction of complex yachts, gained in major Italian shipyards, including Benetti, where he held key technical and managerial positions — to discuss the evolution of the Group’s refit division, its industrial strategies, and the enhancement of technical expertise in the sector.

PressMare – Let’s start with the present: Lusben is a well-established presence at the Monaco Yacht Show, but this year we also saw you exhibiting at the Cannes Yachting Festival.

Ferdinando Pilli – That’s right. Monaco has become a traditional appointment for us, but in 2025 we decided to attend the Cannes Yachting Festival for the first time. It was an important decision to strengthen brand visibility. Cannes is a key showcase, especially for yachts between 30 and 40 metres — a market segment that interests us as much as the larger yachts — and the feedback was very positive.

PM – What is the current operational scale of your refit centers?

FP – Thanks to the synergy between our Varazze, Viareggio, and Livorno sites, today we can work on yachts ranging from 30 metres to over 100 metres.

Varazze focuses on medium-sized yachts, Viareggio covers the 40–55 metre range — and we will soon increase capacity with the new 720-ton travel lift we have purchased — while Livorno, with its large dock, can accommodate yachts over 50 metres and beyond 100. Each site has its specialization, but all operate in coordination, following a group logic.

PM – Major investments have also been made in Livorno. Can you give us an overview of how they were allocated?

FP – In Livorno, we have invested around 12 million euros, connected to the tender for dock management. Part of the work is already completed, while the final phase — involving the service buildings — is about to start.

These include new areas dedicated to crews, with meeting rooms, social spaces, and relaxation areas. We are also planning further works in the Morosini Dock to expand moorings and complete infrastructure upgrades. It’s a growth plan that combines technical strengthening with improved hospitality.

PM – In recent years Lusben has also invested to attract owners and captains of large sailing yachts. Let’s first recall the Maltese Falcon refitted in Livorno…

FP – Exactly. The sailing yacht segment had been somewhat overlooked, but we decided to invest in it, also based on our personal experience in the field. Several of Lusben’s key professionals, including myself, come from Perini Navi. Preserving and enhancing that valuable know-how was a further motivation to create facilities dedicated to sailing yachts. In Livorno, we have built a new inspection pit (keel pit), unique in Italy, designed to accommodate yachts with lifting keels or deep appendages up to 70 metres, facilitating refit and repair work.

We currently have three sailing yachts under refit, two of them dismasted, and we manage rigging and sailing system maintenance internally, with the support of specialized suppliers and our technical supervision.

PM – Speaking of complex refits, can you name some significant projects?

FP – There are several, but two in particular stand out. The first is Masquenada, a challenging project involving a hull extension of about four metres, completed within a tight schedule.

The second is Alfa, a Benetti yacht delivered in 2020, during the Covid period. After five years, it returned for a complete refit: painting, systems, maintenance, and a total interior refurbishment. It was a highly valuable project, also emotionally, as it brought new life to a “family” yacht of the Azimut|Benetti Group.

PM – How many projects do you handle per year on average?

FP – Combining Livorno and Viareggio, we reach about 80 projects per year, depending on the duration of the works.

In the past, the refit season was concentrated between October and March, but today work continues year-round. Some owners even skip the Mediterranean season to prepare for Caribbean or Far East cruising.

PM – Lusben is often cited as a model for organization and skills. How is your technical structure organized?

FP – We have an internal technical office for coordination and supervision, supported by external design studios and Benetti’s Style Department for architecture and interior design.

We also employ “onboard architects” dedicated to daily monitoring of quality and progress. Furthermore, we are introducing roles typical of new builds, such as project engineers and systems specialists, to offer our clients a fully integrated service.

PM – The refit market appears more stable than new builds. Do you agree?

FP – Yes, because the global yacht fleet continues to grow. Unlike in the commercial sector, yachts remain active for longer periods. Naturally, refit is an expanding market, so much so that more and more shipyards are creating their own dedicated divisions.

PM – What trends do you foresee in the next five years?

FP – A boom between 2026 and 2027, when many yachts delivered in recent years will face their five-year class survey. It will be a time of high demand, as owners will use the opportunity to upgrade systems, interiors, and layouts.

PM – Barcelona and Palma are important refit hubs. How do you assess them as competitors?

FP – Spain is currently a key reference for refit, just as Northern Europe is for new builds. Barcelona is our main competitor, while Palma follows a different model: facilities are leased to companies that independently manage projects. We prefer direct control of the process to protect the client, ensuring uniform quality standards and full technical management.

PM – The shortage of skilled labor is a common issue in new builds. Do you face the same challenge?

FP – It’s the real problem of Italian shipbuilding. Today it’s easier to find high-level technical profiles than craftsmen — carpenters, welders, electricians, pipefitters — the hands that ensure artisanal quality.

We’ve lost the tradition of maritime technical schools. We need stronger cooperation with schools and families to show that these trades offer stable jobs, growth, and solid pay.

We must rebuild a knowledge chain: master craftsmen should mentor young people, transferring expertise before retirement.

PM – Technology is also changing the industry. Can artificial intelligence impact refit?

FP – Partly, yes. But yacht construction and maintenance remain craftsmanship-based.

A robot can weld better, but someone must design, program, and operate it. Human value remains central — in fact, it will grow as technology evolves.

PM – What are owners requesting most often in refits today?

FP – There’s great focus on onboard technology. Everyone wants to install or prepare for Starlink or OneWeb systems, which provide global connectivity at lower costs. Designers also appreciate this trend, as it allows the removal of large radomes, improving aesthetics and clean lines.

PM – Lusben is deeply rooted in Livorno. How is your relationship with the city and local community?

FP – Excellent. We collaborate with the LEM Foundation and actively participate in city events such as the International Sailing Week and the Livorno Marathon.

We are among the main sponsors, together with the Naval Academy, and we believe the bond with the territory is essential — both in terms of employment and culture.

PM – You recently announced an opening on the French Riviera.

FP – Yes, we inaugurated a Sales Office in Antibes, one of the Mediterranean’s most important ports.

Being there means staying close to our clients, following their yachts year-round, and strengthening relationships with international owners and captains.

PM – How important is it to belong to a group like Azimut|Benetti?

FP – It’s fundamental. Having a strong family-owned group with a long-term industrial vision behind us allows us to plan, invest, and face challenges confidently.

We can afford to invest with perspective, focusing on quality and reputation — which are Lusben’s true values.