The industry looks overseas to expand market presence - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 6 Mar 15:00 PST
AIMEX stand © AIMEX
The 31st edition of the Dubai International Boat Show, held 19-23 February, was the first trade show in the region following signing of the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in November 2024. This bilateral free trade agreement is designed to enhance trade, reduce barriers, and strengthen economic ties.
The Dubai International Boat Show, the largest marine and luxury lifestyle show in the region, provided Australian businesses with a valuable platform to take advantage of this Agreement, facilitating expansion into the Middle East, as well as Asia, and Europe.
In Europe, industry leaders have joined forces to revolutionize boat manufacturing with a circular economy model, so that boats can now be built using recycled materials. This pioneering collaboration to achieve circularity in boat production, launched in Western France, offers a model for composite sustainability.
This breakthrough initiative unites various global leaders in their field: Groupe Beneteau, world's leading manufacturer of sailing and motorboats; Veolia, global leader in waste management and environmental services; Composite Recycling, pioneer in recycling composite waste; Arkema, a world player in specialty materials; Owens Corning, pioneer in glass reinforcements innovation; Chomarat, specialist in technical textiles and composite reinforcements.
Also from Europe, the University of Barcelona and the Barcelona Capital Nàutica Foundation have released the outcome of their exhaustive post event economic impact study which revealed over €1 billion positive economic GDP return that the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup created for the host venue Barcelona, Catalonia. The study reported a EUR 1.034 billion positive economic benefit for the host venue. [Editor: The Event Fee paid to America's Cup Event Ltd is believed to have been EUR 70 million - covered by a mix of governmental and private funding.]
Recent launchings include Dufour Yachts. They have unveiled a stunning new model, the Dufour 54, which is distinguished by a suite of innovations, outstanding performance and stylish comfort. This new 16m model is the result of a collaboration between the in-house design team, renowned naval architect Umberto Felci and interior designer Luca Ardizio.
Yanmar Marine International Asia has announced the launch of its new concept CX570 crossover yacht. Orders are scheduled to begin in autumn 2025. The newly developed CX570 combines functionality with luxury, making it ideal for fishing while featuring elegant aesthetics for cruising. The yacht offers a semi-customizable exterior and a range of layout options, making it a versatile, multi-purpose crossover yacht that enables a variety of marine activities in a single vessel.
Grand Boats Australia, a leading manufacturer of fiberglass rigid inflatable boats, has appointed Chivers Marine as its exclusive dealer for Western Australia. An iconic name in Western Australia boating since 1958, Chivers Marine is a family-owned and operated business, located in Bibra Lake. Already the number one Yamaha dealership in Western Australia, Chivers Marine showcases key brands at its showroom including Seafarer and Surtees, and now adds Grand Boats to their selective portfolio.
Palm Beach Motor Yachts will proudly showcase the GT60 model at this year's Auckland Boat Show, March 6-9. Held at Jellicoe Harbour in the heart of the city's waterfront, the Show will welcome thousands of boating enthusiasts to experience a wide range of vessels and products over the four days. The Palm Beach GT60 exudes style and sports appeal like no other. Its timeless, sleek, and effortlessly seductive profile is a head turner, whether the yacht's resting in a quiet anchorage or slicing through the waves at 43 knots.
Also in New Zealand, the Candela C-8, the world's most advanced electric hydrofoiling boat, is set to make its New Zealand premiere at the Auckland Boat Show this weekend. Positioned at the entry to the Viaduct Events Centre, the C-8 will be one of the first vessels visitors see as they step into the show, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable, high-performance boating.
B&G, the world's leading sailing electronics manufacturer, announced the new Zeus SR chartplotter, featuring a new Qualcomm 8-core processor and redesigned interface for an enhanced sailing experience. "The new Zeus SR is an exciting addition to B&G's product portfolio, representing a significant leap forward in sailing technology," said Kevin Steinbraker, VP and General Manager, Digital Systems of Navico Group.
More marine industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania which we update daily.
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Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media