MarineBusinessWorld.com Newsletter: Big business features this week
by Peter Rendle, Sail-World.com 5 Jul 2018 23:00 BST
C-MAP Tidal Streams © C-MAP
Big business takes centre stage this week with news of a merger and several expansions. Navico, the world's largest manufacturer of marine electronics, and C-MAP, suppliers of digital navigation products to the recreational and commercial marine market, announced that they have merged.
Effective immediately, C-MAP will become another powerful brand in the Navico portfolio alongside Lowrance®, Simrad® and B&G®. The merger will accelerate the companies' shared ambition to create the world's biggest digital marine ecosystem and deliver the best experiences for customers around the world.
Another massive industry member, Mercury Marine's parent company, Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), this week announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Power Products – Global Marine and Mobile, which includes the global marine, specialty vehicle, mobile, industrial power, and transportation aftermarket products businesses of Power Products. Brands included are: Ancor, BEP, Blue Sea Systems, Czone, Del City, Lenco Marine, Marinco, Mastervolt, Park Power, Progressive Industries, and ProMariner.
In the USA, Evinrude announced this week that it is now a part of the newly established BRP Marine Group. Tracy Crocker, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Evinrude since 2017, has been appointed President of the Group, effective immediately. Crocker will be responsible for the strategic direction and operations of the BRP Marine Group while maintaining his active role at Evinrude.
Also from the US, Harken are the Official Supplier of deck hardware for the Volvo Ocean race and ensure that the fleet is supplied with the very best and most reliable equipment for the duration of the event. Sail-World Managing Editor, Mark Jardine, caught up with Harken's Mark Gardner, Custom Projects and Service Manager at Harken, during the Cardiff stopover, to discuss the sponsorship and the challenge it entails.
Locally, Richard Chapman, President of AIMEX, announced the appointment of David Good as the new Chief Executive Officer of AIMEX, to commence on 16th July. David Good has been a Senior Manager within Ports North in Cairns for many years and has been a key member of the Great Barrier Reef Superyacht Cluster, currently serving as Vice Chair.
Reports from around-the-world sailors have highlighted the need to stop plastic entering our oceans, and while Australian shoppers debate the pros and cons of plastic bags being restricted at the supermarket checkouts, one marina operator has taken further steps to reduce plastic waste. Abell Point Marina is now the first marina in Australia to have all its venues plastic straw free. With over 500 million plastic straws being discarded every day globally and each straw taking up to 450 years to start to degrade, the team at Abell Point Marina felt like it was time to take environmental action.
With the Sydney Boat Show fast approaching reports from exhibitors this week include news from Sirocco Marine who will have the entire range of BRIG 'Rigid Intelligent Boats', a whopping 26 models on display at the 2018 Sydney International Boat Show.
One of the most unique vessels at the show this year includes the amphibious Sealegs land and water craft. Not needing a marina or established boat ramp, the Sealegs can literally drive directly into the water from the beach or shore using three hydraulically powered wheels attached to the hull, which have no drag once fully retracted.
Sealegs Australian Sales Manager Michael Rigby adds, "This year we are delighted to launch to the world Sealegs' very own 8.5 Alloy Cabin which will make its debut at this year's Sydney International Boat Show."
Aveagooden
Peter Rendle, Sail-World.com