Marine power developments continue to grab the headlines - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 30 Sep 2021 15:00 PDT
ePropulsion launches Australian presence © ePropulsion
As the world grapples with the solution on how to reduce carbon emissions the marine industry is not averse to the potential changes that may be introduced. We will continue to post the latest information relating to alternative power supply and this week have news of a network expanding to Australia with the launch of ePropulsion AU.
This new business unit will handle all sales, service, support and any repairs or warranty claims for the Australian market. ePropulsion AU is based in Melbourne, which is a community at the forefront of electric propulsion in Australia. "We are very excited to launch ePropulsion AU with a team that is extremely passionate about electric propulsion," said Danny Tao, co-founder and CEO of ePropulsion. "Electric propulsion in Australia is on the rise and we are confident that we will have great success selling and supporting the brand to this vital market."
Meanwhile a major boat builder has endorsed a product that is claimed to protect propellers. Propspeed, leading innovator of underwater foul-release coatings, announced this week that it has received an endorsement from Riviera Australia. The luxury yacht manufacturer applies Propspeed as a factory standard for all new models and recommends the use of Propspeed for existing owners as protection against fouling and corrosion of running gear and underwater metals.
"Riviera has been using Propspeed on all new motor yachts built by the company for the past five years. In addition, Riviera's Aftermarket and Service department based at the manufacturing facility in the Gold Coast, has been using Propspeed for the past 10 years," said Michael Swain, Riviera's Aftermarket and Service Manager. "We believe Propspeed is a superior foul-release system. Once applied correctly, we see very little growth on boats that have been in the water for 12- and up to 18-months. There is no better foul-release product to apply to propellers, shafts or pods of a Riviera."
As the number of boats on our waterways increases, so does the demand for berths leading to an increase in the number of marinas. The Marina Industry Association is running a seminar that introduces "My Marina Guide" - the only comprehensive Australian marina directory, on Thursday, 14 October 2021 - 2pm ADST. "My Marina Guide" is a new MIA member initiative to help members promote their marinas and boatyards and the services offered by their onsite tenants to the boating public. It is a map-based, online marine services directory of all marinas and boatyards across Australia. It will assist boaters in their passage planning by enabling them to locate marinas, maintenance facilities and service providers suitable to their needs in particular geographic locations.
One of the marinas that will undoubtedly be listed is the Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM). Andrew O'Neill, director at O'Neill Shipwrights at GCCM & Shipyard, is working on a massive teak deck project aboard the 60-metre motor yacht, Oceana. With his team of seven craftspeople, Andrew has worked to exact templates to pre-fab the decking in Sydney, which will be freighted to the vessel located on the Gold Coast in two stages. "It's a significant project," he explains of the complete replacement of teak decks, including foredeck, bridge deck and sundeck - all the upper levels. It's a very detailed piece and requires not only technical skill and precision, but the right glue for the job." The main challenges on the project include the sheer volume of materials required.
Hamilton Island Enterprises have announced that after 14-years with the company Glenn Bourke AM has advised the Board of his intention to step down as CEO by the end of June 2022.
Mr Bourke joined Hamilton Island Enterprises in 2007 and has served the business with distinction. He has been instrumental in driving Hamilton Island's growth and development, as well as steering the business through unprecedented disruptions such as Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017 and more recently the Covid pandemic.
Hamilton Island Chairman Sandy Oatley said: "On behalf of the Oatley family and the Board of Directors, I would like to extend our deep gratitude to Glenn for his leadership and integrity, and for the instrumental role he has played in making Hamilton Island the business that it is today.
"Under Glenn's management we have developed Hamilton Island as Australia's leading integrated resort, and Glenn will leave Hamilton Island in a very strong position. Together with the team, Glenn has built a platform and a strategy for the future based on a strong culture and commitment to deliver for our guests, residents and employees."
With the numbers of fully vaccinated people reaching the various regional targets, depending on which state you live in, its highly likely that the current restrictions imposed on households will be eased as we approach the Christmas holiday period. This comes as very welcome news to our industry especially those involved in yacht charter, sailing destination venues, yacht club, sailing clubs and sailing schools. We will continue you to update you with latest developments and if you have any industry news that you would like to share, please mail me at the address below.
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com