No increase on tariffs for US boats entering the EU - North American MarineBusinessWorld newsletter
by Peter Rendle 2 Jun 2021 08:00 PDT
The Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS), powered by Fischer Panda UK's electric drive system and generators, in sea trials earlier this year © ProMare / IBM
The U.S. and European Union (EU) announced the parties reached an agreement to suspend the June 1 increase of tariffs on U.S. boats entering the EU, effective immediately.
On behalf of the collective one million jobs and 67,000 businesses supported by the industry on both sides of the Atlantic, European Boating Industry (EBI), International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) applaud the negotiations and call for continued discussions to strengthen trade relations between the trade blocks.
Propulsion
Following an overwhelmingly positive response to the Pulse 58, the world's first electric RIB with a fully integrated electric drive launched at Dusseldorf Boat Show 2020, RS Electric Boats has further developed the boat's design and technology to bring out the next generation model - the Pulse 63.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd., and Japan Engine Corporation formed a consortium of Japanese engine manufacturers to pursue joint development of hydrogen fuelled marine engines for ocean-going and coastal vessels towards establishing a world-leading position in hydrogen engine technologies.
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) this week introduced the Fueling America's Security and Transportation with Electricity Act of 2021 (FAST Electricity Act), which creates a new federal tax incentive to accelerate the manufacturing and adoption of all types of electrified transportation modes ranging from recreational boats to industrial equipment.
Fischer Panda UK's electric drive system and generators will power the world's first fully automated vessel, the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS), when it sets sail on its historic maiden voyage across the Atlantic this June.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Cigarette Racing Team, synonymous with high-powered luxury performance powerboats, has new ownership with big plans for growth of the company and the future of boat racing across the globe. Lionheart Capital, led by Founder and CEO, Ophir Sternberg, has partnered with billionaire entrepreneur, John H. Ruiz, to purchase the iconic American brand from longtime owner of two decades, Skip Braver.
On May 26, Dometic completed the acquisition of Zamp Solar, a leading North American manufacturer of innovative and high-quality mobile solar power solutions for the outdoor market.
Southern Marinas, a premier owner and operator of marina properties, and an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners, the leading investor in travel and leisure businesses, are pleased to announce their partnership to acquire and operate a best-in-class portfolio of marinas across North America.
The Limestone Boat Company Limited (TSXV: BOAT) manufacturer of the heritage brand Limestone® Boats - is pleased to announce the closing of its previously disclosed acquisition of Ebbtide Holdings, LLC, a leading manufacturer of boats located in White Bluff, TN.
New Products
The latest Simrad® software update was released this month for its multifunction displays (MFDs), packed with the latest technology and visual enhancements. The updates include a series of radar interface improvements and features focused on safety, like Dangerous Target Alert, and enhanced integration with partners.
Blue Guard Innovations announces the introduction of its boat monitoring and control system, Smart Skipper™. Smart Skipper enables owners, operators and captains to monitor the security and safety of their unattended vessels.
Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, has launched its Digital Yacht initiative with the release of an exclusive video offering unique insight from the build-up to the next edition of The Ocean Race and its use of digital technology.
Oceanic Systems (UK) Ltd, manufacturer of alarm, display and control systems for leisure, commercial and military vessels, continue to expand their Poseidon system range with the new Poseidon NVR, a high reliability server grade network video recording (NVR) system.
Answering significant demand from boatbuilders and sailboat owners for a low power, high output watermaker, Fischer Panda UK is introducing the new H20 ECO Series of reverse osmosis water desalination systems.
The importance of protecting your skin from harmful UV, even in cloudy conditions, is well understood in the southern hemisphere yet less so in the northern hemisphere. Which is why the Australian brand Zhik attach so much importance to their new UVActive® range of shirts for summer boating activity.
Safety and survival specialist ACR Electronics has launched the world's smallest and most simple satellite communication device - the ACR Bivy Stick two-way satellite messenger and app.
Campaigns
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) recently announced the Get On Board consumer marketing campaign will launch during National Fishing & Boating Week, June 5-13. After a historic year with record sales and participation in boating and fishing, the 2021 industry-wide campaign will focus on retaining the recent surge of newcomers, while recruiting the next generation of boaters and anglers.
B&G has returned as an Official Technical Supplier to The Ocean Race, including the upcoming inaugural edition of The Ocean Race Europe that begins May 29 in Lorient, France. B&G has a rich and long tradition with The Ocean Race dating back to the original Whitbread Round-The-World Race in 1973 and has been a part of each edition of The Ocean Race since, including on-board every race winner of this epic adventure around the globe.
People
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is pleased to announce that Connor Bevan has joined ASA's Government Affairs staff as the new Inland Fisheries Policy Manager.
Raul Bermudez, Vice President of MarineMax Vacations, has been instrumental in designing a power-boat charter program with a top-notch operation that consistently exceeds customer expectations. He celebrates his 10th anniversary with MarineMax Vacations this year.
Leading marine industry innovator Dometic Marine has promoted industry veteran Ray Wong to the pivotal position of Vice President, Technology & Product Development. Wong has been with the company for more than two decades, helping to develop many of its award-winning products.
More industry news below. Fell free to send your latest company or product information to me by email.
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com