Sustainability the buzzword for marine developments - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 29 Nov 2023 14:00 PST
Ledgeview Solar Project © Mercury Marine
Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), will advance the 5-megawatt Ledgeview Solar Project with Alliant Energy after the utility received approval to partner on the project from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
The 32-acre project in eastern Fond du Lac County will further Mercury Marine's sustainability initiatives and the region's growing commitment to renewable energy. It's the first project to receive approval under the Alliant Energy® Renewable Energy Partner tariff.
"We're excited to have received regulatory approval for this project and advance our commitment to a more sustainable future," said John Buelow, Mercury Marine president. "Our investment in this solar infrastructure, combined with our other solar investments, will provide clean, renewable energy and propel us toward our goal to derive 50% of our electricity usage from renewable sources by the end of 2030."
And ePropulsion, a global leader and market challenger in marine electric propulsion systems and services, announced this week, the latest expansion to its product portfolio with the launch of its X Series outboard engines. The X Series comprises three innovative electric outboard motors, the X12, X20 and X40, offering remarkable electric propulsion systems with ingenious features.
"The inclusion of the X Series in our ever-expanding electric propulsion portfolio marks a significant step forward in electric propulsion systems," said Danny Tao, Co-Founder and CEO of ePropulsion. "The X Series is the result of extensive R&D and we are always looking to go above and beyond the industry standards. With the advanced X Series, we deliver more than electric propulsion, it's an intelligent and integrated platform accessible for consumers and OEM clients, ensuring a quieter, cleaner boating experience."
From Australia, Riviera announced its 2023 International Dealer Awards. Riviera International Dealer of the Year was awarded to Lake Michigan Yacht Sales in the US. Accepting the award, Dealer Principal Matt Mrozinski said: "The constant refinement in every aspect of Riviera yachts over the past 10 years has been extraordinary. Our customers are telling us that Riviera is regarded as the premium brand in the sport yacht and luxury motor yacht market for design, engineering, finish and support."
He said the entire Riviera team in Australia and in the Americas were focussed on their customers. "We have been a Riviera dealer representative for nearly 20 years. Being able to represent a yacht line that you are proud of, that it is very well-supported, that is among the very best in the world; seeing the real joy experienced by our Riviera owners, is our team's reward."
Staying with awards, The Wharf at Lyman-Morse wins multiple times during inaugural season. Lyman-Morse, the venerable Maine-based boatbuilder who has been crafting world-renowned custom and semi-custom sail and power yachts for 45 years, enjoyed a season full of awards and accolades for both their new boats and their new Camden facilities. Lyman-Morse purchased the property in 2015, and since then all the buildings have gone through extensive (and in some cases complete) renovations following a fire in 2020. Now, after years of work breathing life back into the waterfront, the 2023 season saw new tenants, new visitors, and a boatload of new awards.
Also, Charlie Hoover of SeaArk Boats was named the latest recipient of Correct Craft's "Making Life Better" award. Out of a broad team of 2,000 individuals within the Correct Craft family, Charlie's exceptional dedication and commitment set him apart. As highlighted by Bill Yeargin, President/CEO of Correct Craft, Charlie has played an integral role at SeaArk Boats. Bill remarked, "In a team of 2,000 across Correct Craft, Charlie has emerged as a wonderful example of our culture of "Making Life Better." This statement underscores the magnitude of Charlie's influence within the company.
Women have and are increasingly playing a pivotal role in the marine industry. Heather Lougheed, vice president of the nearly 800,000-member boating advocacy, services and safety group, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), is taking on a second organizational role with the appointment to president of the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation is the boating safety and clean water "sister" to BoatUS and a national leader in promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Heather Lougheed takes over from departing foundation president Chris Edmonston. "Chris has been a boating safety and clean water advocate for America's boat owners for more than 25 years," said BoatUS chairman and president Tammy Moore. "We thank him for advancing BoatUS Foundation programs, services and educational efforts that have had a huge impact on anyone who spends time on the water."
Are you a photographer? The Midwest Woman's Sailing Conference is looking for a cover photo for their 2024 conference materials. The ideal picture shows faces and active sailing. It needs to be clear and high resolution, and we must be able to get permission for use from all identifiable persons. Send your pics for consideration. Deadline is December 4th.
New Products. Simrad® Marine Electronics, a leader in marine electronics and navigation, today announced the release of its new HALO® 5000 solid-state radar for the commercial market, designed to provide superior situational awareness for commercial vessels, reduced ownership cost and flexible installation. "We are thrilled to launch the HALO 5000, our first IMO approved solid-state radar for the commercial sector," said Massimo Carmagnini, Product Manager, Digital Systems for Navico Group.
"Developed to keep users safe in even the harshest environments, the new radar provides premium situational awareness while also offering broad compatibility and easy installation. Our team is proud to deliver a cutting-edge product that any commercial vessel can rely on."
Managing Editor of Sail-World and Marine Business World, Mark Jardine, recently spoke to Grant Fox of Scanstrut at METSTRADE about ATMOS, the waterproof on-board air station engineered to thrive in the challenging marine environment. ATMOS provides an easy and efficient solution for inflating paddleboards, towables, and more with the simple push of a button. Users can set their desired pressure, and ATMOS takes care of the rest, making it the perfect addition to maximize quality time on the water.
Keep Dry,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com