New products and new boats the focus this week - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 9 Mar 2023 14:00 PST
Charter Rode Desktop on sailboat © Charter Rode
From the USA, Charter Rode delivers the first ever, globally available Sailing Resume — a secure, transparent, efficient, and tamper-proof maritime resume system enabled by blockchain technology.
Recreational and professional mariners log and track credentials, sea time, and experience, creating a sailing resume. Banks, insurance companies, charter companies, credentialing agencies, captains, and commercial vessel operators require this documentation to determine the seaworthiness of individuals. Traditionally, recording and sharing maritime experience has been inefficient and unreliable. Until now, it has been impractical, if not impossible, for third parties to verify every logbook entry within a sailing resume. Using blockchain, Charter Rode solves this problem with the first and only maritime resume system that provides proof of authenticity for every individual logbook entry.
Also from the USA and part of the ever evolving development of electric products and the increasing popularity of environmentally friendly boats with 48V electric propulsion required the development of thrusters running at the same voltage. MAX POWER responded to the needs of the boating industry, by introducing its new 48V models. The Electric Tunnel Thrusters CT 125, CT 300, CT 325 as well as the Electric Retractable Thruster VIP150 ELECTRIC are also available in 48V. They operate from 48V house bank batteries, an option which will provide space and cost savings for the boating community as smaller wires will be needed for the installation.
From the UK, leading electrification specialist, Equipmake, has this week, unveiled an ultra-lightweight, power-dense electric motor, designed for high-performance space, aerospace, and marine applications. Debuted at the Future Propulsion Conference, held in Solihull, UK, the HPM-400 is an advanced high power, short duration motor that was original specified as a high-performance rocket fuel pump for Australian company, Gilmour Space Technologies, for use in its Eris rocket programme. Featuring several technological and packaging innovations born out of its need to withstand extreme acceleration while also operating at atmospheric pressure and in space, the HPM-400 has multiple applications in high-performance environments.
From New Zealand, ePropulsion, have announced its new range of E-Series batteries for 2023. With a more ergonomic design, the E60 and E163 will supplement the existing E80 and E175 batteries in the range. The E-Series provides consistent performance and smart operation, delivering up to 3,000 charging cycles for a reliable user experience. ePropulsion's new E-Series Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are high-performance and packed with features. With three times higher energy density and 70% less weight than lead-acid batteries, the E-Series is perfect for smaller vessels with minimal interior storage space. Connectors can be attached with only one hand - no additional tools are required for simple installation. IP67 waterproof rated, the E60 is designed for use with the ePropulsion Navy 3.0 Evo (6HP) and the E163 is designed for the Navy 6.0 Evo (9.9HP). Engineered for ease of use, their intelligent battery management system (BMS) features a display that shows state of charge, voltage, current and alarm information for maximum safety. The E60's compact form factor and light, double-layer plastic housing can easily be transported and installed by one person, while the E163 is designed for high reliability with an all-metal housing that is impact resistant and drop proof.
Event news includes, the inaugural Sydney Superyacht Festival, set to take place from Friday 17 March until Sunday 19 March. This new marine-themed extravaganza, will incorporate both land and water-based events, including a boat parade. This event is for superyachts, privately owned luxury boats, luxury charter boats, luxury boat brands, luxury boat syndicates and Marina's to invite their boat berthing clients to register to be part of this exciting marine spectacular. Tickets start from $245 per person and include live entertainment, gourmet food and premier drinks from Sydney Brewery with fine Australian wines and spirits from Swift + Moore.
And the marina industry continues to move with the times. Sydney's Heritage-listed Jones Bay Marina has received council approval for an upgrade, a move that will address the shortage of marina berths for large vessels in Sydney Harbour and see significant capital poured into the harbourside marina over the course of the year. The unanimous decision by council and local planning panel has been welcomed by the owners and management alike and will see a raft of essential upgrades including the installation of new floating pontoon berths and a custom-designed floating office; improvements to power and water supply; and essential upgrades to the marina's amenities block and change rooms. Jones Bay Marina's General Manager, Nairn Johnston CMM, said the Australian Superyacht industry was currently in a growth period and the upgrades couldn't have come at a better time.
Looking North, the Marina Industries Association (MIA) is pleased to announce that Gladstone Ports Corporation's (GPC) Gladstone Marina has become the latest marina to be awarded the coveted 5 Gold Anchor accreditation. The beautiful and well-maintained marina is located on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, at Gladstone Harbour in Central Queensland and is perfectly positioned to explore the secluded anchorages, tropical islands and pristine coral reefs of the area. The expansive marina has over 320 berths for all types of vessels ranging from nine metres up to 45 metres and includes a variety of services to help boaters refresh, relax and explore. Showing a strong commitment to the environment, GPC's Gladstone Marina is also an accredited International Clean Marina and Fish Friendly Marina.
In announcing this award, Suzanne Davies MIA CEO praised the marina: "5 Gold Anchors is among the highest accolades that the industry awards and is reserved for marinas which offer their customers consistently high standards of service and facilities. It is great to see the upgrades the marina has made in recent years to improve the quality of facilities and services for both locals and those transiting through the marina. GPC's Gladstone Marina is a worthy recipient of 5 Gold Anchors."
New boats to be made available in Australia include the Fjord 41 XP. Lighter, more powerful and faster, she is the world's first series production yacht to be powered by two Mercury V12 Outboard engines. The unique combination of performance, comfort and iconic design, penned by renowned yacht designer Patrick Benfield, makes the new Fjord 41 XP an absolute highlight on the water. Her two 600hp V12 Mercury Verado outboard engines provide breathtaking acceleration and impressive speed of over 40 knots. Modern navigation equipment and intelligent steering make manoeuvring easy and intuitive. Even at full speed, the distinctive T-top and various windscreen options protect against the elements.
RAND, the luxury boat manufacturer best known for providing electric boat options on all their models, is excited to announce the launch of their latest vessel, the RAND Breeze 20. This revolutionary boat boasts a ground-breaking eco-boating design that allows for effortless cruising without compromising functionality, comfort, or performance. At the heart of the RAND Breeze 20 is a clever layout centred around a picnic table that transforms into a sunbed and a flipping pilot backrest, massive storage rooms, an integrated fridge, and a hidden bimini top. These features make the Rand Breeze 20 highly adaptable to the needs of all boaters.
World leading yacht manufacturer Sirena Yachts, is proud to introduce the Sirena 48 to the Australian and New Zealand market through Eyachts. This new 48-footer is a chance to elevate their boating experience to new heights. World-class quality and an immaculate finish are as much part of the Sirena Yachts brand as bold and distinctive design. And the Sirena 48 will be no different, with Sirena's renowned attention to luxurious detailing and functionality. But the boat will also offer two alternative layouts for the spacious aft cockpit - a rarity in boats under the 50ft mark.
More industry news this week at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com