Future of marine propulsion sustainability discussion ongoing - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania news
by Peter Rendle 20 Apr 15:00 PDT
Aquanima 40 Solar Eclipse © Julien Melot
A study initiated by boot Düsseldorf, developed by the European Boating Industry, supported by ADAC (German Automobile Club) and conducted by Sea Teach SL, found that a trend towards sustainability in boat building and alternative propulsion systems is growing strongly.
"The future of sustainable on-water propulsion" study was conducted among representatives from the nautical industry. The participants were recruited from the boat (under 24 meters) and engine manufacturing as well as associations and water sports enthusiasts. They were asked about current sustainability trends in personal interviews. The aim of the study was to compile relevant data on the needs of boaters. On the basis of this, manufacturers can develop products/boats and drives that meet their needs and offer tailor-made solutions.
From the USA, Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation, has announced the first group of Avator™ 7.5e electric outboards has shipped to global customers, representing a major milestone in Mercury's electrification strategy. The 7.5e is the first of Mercury's five Avator electric propulsion systems to be announced this year. During the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in January, the company officially launched the 7.5e and displayed concepts of Avator 20e and 35e, both of which will be released later in 2023.
Two additional electrification product announcements from Mercury will be made before the end of the year. "This is a historic and exciting day for Mercury Marine as we continue to deliver on our commitment to being the industry leader in both internal combustion products and electric propulsion," said John Buelow, Mercury Marine president. "We look forward to all our customers around the world having the opportunity to experience Avator and to have the brand be prominently displayed globally."
Further activity from the Boating Industry Association (BIA) includes a new partnership arrangement. The value of the BIA brand and its membership base is well recognised in a range of programs to promote BIA members to consumers, but the opportunity for partnerships to create stronger connections with business-to-business industry suppliers and corporate entities, such as financial institutions, professional services and utilities, has not been taken up in any significant way in the past.
To address this, the BIA is to launch a new Partnership Program to provide a portfolio of offerings to engage suitable organisations which are looking to develop a deeper relationship with the industry association and its members. Partnerships will be available across six tiers, providing a connection from first tier "Skipper" partner, covering promoted exposure in targeted member communications and networking events; through to "Admiral of the Fleet" which will see a major industry partner throwing their support behind the BIA's flagship Safe Marine Business program as the Principal Partner.
New boats this week involve a new rescue vessel for New South Wales. Volunteers at Marine Rescue Port Stephens are counting down the weeks until the arrival of the unit's new vessel Port Stephens 30. The new 10 metre Naiad boat is being built at Yamba Welding and Engineering on the NSW North Coast. Powered by twin 300hp outboard engines, the new vessel will replace the current 8.5 metre rescue boat at Port Stephens and is on target for completion in late May.
In Queensland, leading Australian luxury long range motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, forges ahead with production of its new flagship models, the M75 Flybridge Motor Yacht and the S75 Sedan Motor Yacht. In a matter of weeks, what will be the culmination of the vision by Bill Barry-Cotter OM will be unveiled at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
"These magnificent vessels represent the largest motor yachts designed and built by the company to date and are set to firmly reinforce Maritimo's position as the pre-eminent manufacturer of long range, luxury motor yachts in Australia. They represent the culmination of the vision and the investment that firstly saw the acquisition of the Maritimo site on the Gold Coast some 20 years ago," said Tom Barry-Cotter, Managing Director of Maritimo.
"State-of-the-art facilities were purposely designed to give Maritimo the capability of manufacturing larger vessels, such as the M75. A new and dedicated production line was established for the M75 and S75, to focus solely on these stunning, new flagship models. These models are the result of the most in-depth design and development process ever undertaken in Maritimo history, with it being conceptualised and developed with Maritimo's design division and collaborating with owners for more than two years," said Barry-Cotter.
Not forgetting fishos, Stacer Australia has recently launched its consolidated Seasprite range of aluminium boats, making the buying process more streamlined and hassle free for those looking for a small inland tinnie. The available models include 319, 379 and 399 and are designed with the Australian lifestyle in mind. This makes these tinnies perfect for fishing inland in dams, lakes and rivers - and getting into those hard-to-reach places amongst the mangroves!
The Seasprite range is proudly Australian made and offers a range of features that make it easy to maintain and use. The boats are available packaged with an engine and trailer or are able to be thrown on the roof of your car, making it easy to take your boat wherever the next fishing adventure takes you.
New products involve a technology related app. An Australian airline pilot has brought his safety and compliance expertise to the marine industry with the creation of Tracket, a safety and maintenance management app for recreational vessel owners. Tracket is streamlining vessel management protocols and enhancing safety standards for power boat, PWC and sailing craft owners.
Commercial pilot Stephen Ferris, Founder and Director of Tracket, discovered what he described as a gaping hole in the market for effective management systems for recreational vessel owners to stay on top of regulatory requirements and improve safety standards on Australian waterways.
From New Zealand - and our promise to keep readers advised of the land speed record adventure - Emirates Team New Zealand's world record run of 222.43km/h in 'Horonuku' was widely celebrated when achieved on December the 11th 2022, breaking the previous record of 202.9km/h by Richard Jenkins which had been unbroken for over 13 years. But, as revealed in 'Land of Speed' the documentary covering the Emirates Team New Zealand land speed campaign, the new world record was relatively short lived as pilot Glenn Ashby explains of the opportunistic window presented to the team, who were due to pack up and leave.
Also from New Zealand the New Zealand Marina Operators Association have lost two executive members in the past two months. Sue Amos has left the industry for a new position and Brent Wilson is taking up a new role in Australia. This means that to ensure they have a balanced group of people representing the regions and membership, they urgently need to co-opt two new executive members to represent marina and boatyard interest. If you are interested in finding out more, they invite you to make contact, ideally by the end of this month if not sooner.
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com