The pursuit of alternative propulsion goes on unabated - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 10 Feb 2022 14:00 PST
Energy Observer 2 © Energy Observer 2 - Kadeg Boucher / JB Epron Design
Whether you believe in climate change or that reducing carbon emissions will do anything to reduce the temperature of the earth the search for alternative power supplies is an ongoing procedure. As the world sorts out what is possible and what is 'pie in the sky' we will continue to deliver the news from sources all over the world that relates to this potential industry-changing subject.
Since its creation, Energy Observer pushes the limits of maritime decarbonation. After having developed an autonomous laboratory vessel with the first complete hydrogen chain, capable of producing its own hydrogen with its surplus of renewable energies, Energy Observer is taking a new step by launching the design of the most representative ship of the maritime transport industry: a multipurpose cargo ship fuelled by liquid hydrogen, a technology that allows zero-emission navigation, while offering very high transport capacities and great autonomy.
Victorien Erussard, President and founder of Energy Observer, will present the ship on February 10th during the One Ocean Summit in Brest. Maritime transport accounts for 3% of CO2 emissions annually on a global scale. The ambition of Energy Observer and its partners is to present prototype solutions leaning towards zero-emission for the transport of goods.
The Marina Industries Association has done a great job of considerably lifting the profile of their member's marinas over the past few years. As part of their expansion the association is proud to announce the launch of a new and important environmental partnership with BMT, a leading international design, engineering, science and risk management consultancy. As the MIA's first ever Environmental Partner, BMT will draw on its rich history and heritage as a maritime specialist to help the sector address new challenges, particularly as they relate to environmental stewardship and addressing risks and opportunities from decarbonisation and climate change.
MIA members understand their role as local environmental custodians and the positive impacts that they can have in creating and maintaining a pristine environment. This partnership will provide direct support to industry through educational opportunities, leadership and the sharing of environmental information and best practice.
There is no doubt that women's participation in sailing has increased exponentially over the past few decades. So it is always interesting to hear of grants being donated to all aspects of women's sporting participation. Among the latest grants, $20,000 goes to Australian Sailing as part of their assistance to women's sailing involvement. Hundreds of women with a passion for sport will be supported to further their careers under Sport Australia's 2022 Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) program.
In all, 489 women across 34 sports will benefit from the initiative, which has helped strengthen the role of women leaders in sport for more than two decades. Minister for Women Marise Payne said increasing the number of women leaders in sport was a priority for the Morrison Government.
Recently we expanded the coverage of Marine Business World to include South East Asia. We believe it is helpful to know what is happening in the industry among our close neighbor's especially as Asia is now a boat building hub. Today we bring you three articles from that region.
Effective immediately, Simpson Marine takes over the entire China region as Fairline Yachts' exclusive dealer. First announced as a dealer in 2018, the partnership has gone from strength to strength, and with an increasing number of yacht deliveries and a growing love for the brand across Asia, the dealership now extends from Hong Kong and South East Asia to North Asia. The leading yacht sales and services company in Asia, Simpson Marine has nearly four decades of experience and a total of twelve offices in seven countries. It will now sell Fairline from Sanya in Hainan, Shenzhen and Shanghai, with the offices collectively being known as Fairline China.
Richard Allen, Group General Manager at Simpson Marine, says, "We are very excited about this new development with Fairline. This market segment is very active and Fairline is perfectly positioned to appeal to its growing number of customers. Fairline is always well-received here, particularly for its high-quality yachts across the 40-70ft range. With multiple options and configurations, with Fairline we can ensure we can deliver the perfect yacht for every client."
Lantau Yacht Club, the newest yacht club and marina in Hong Kong, is delighted to celebrate a year of achievements in 2021 while looking forward to welcoming a year full of opportunities and possibilities in 2022. A pioneer and achiever, Lantau Yacht Club is a premium, members-only club offering world-class mooring facilities and modern amenities and the only marina built specifically for superyachts in Hong Kong. They are delighted that the superb standards are recognised by the industry and they received their first accolade on their first anniversary.
In September 2021, LYC was accredited as a Five Gold Anchors marina by the Marina Industries Association, positioning it among the most outstanding marinas in the world for exceptional facilities and remarkable services.
And Beneteau South East Asia is pleased to share with you that Beneteau, Lagoon Catamarans and Excess Catamarans have made great achievements at the 2021 China Yachts Awards (OCYA) ceremony in online format on January 23rd.
Jointly organised by China Cruise & Yacht Industry Association (CCYIA) and Oceanway, a comprehensive boating information and service provider in China, the event aims to give recognition for those who excel and contribute greatly to the industry within the year, including but not limited to both domestic and international brands, dealers, marina, services, equipment providers, as well as industry association, through comprehensive review by a panel of industry insiders and voting by general public.
Continue to stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com