There's light at the end of the tunnel - MarineBusinessWorld.com Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 17 Sep 2021 23:00 BST
Sleeping underwater on the Great Barrier Reef now a reality © BTB Marine
News from most of the Australian State Premiers are indicating a relaxation of the current lockdown restrictions, while Qantas is looking towards international travel albeit with limitations on those that have not been fully vaccinated. The industry globally is suffering from supply chain delays and as such lead times for new builds, power and sail, are longer than normal.
As we prepare to open up our tourist industry, one new venture looks to be a winner. Sleeping underwater on the Great Barrier Reef will soon be a reality, thanks in part to an innovative boat builder. Hervey Bay-based BtB Marine has been involved in building a magnificent marine tourism masterpiece that will soon be wowing thousands of visitors to the Southern Great Barrier Reef with an absolutely unique experience. The Lady Musgrave Experience "Lady Musgrave HQ" reef pontoon is 35 metres long, and will provide overnight glamping accommodation above deck for 16 guests and accommodation for 20 guests underwater in a glass-walled observatory, as well as a base for day trippers for snorkelling and scuba diving activities.
Another Australian innovation has been announced this week. While the vessel involved is a commercial ferry, it's likely that the technology will be adapted to be used by larger leisure craft in the future. Incat Crowther is pleased to announce the launch of Sea Change. The Incat Crowther 22 is the world's first zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric-drive high-speed passenger ferry. Delivered by All American Marine, the project has been spearheaded by the vessel owner SWITCH Maritime and was brought to fruition by a consortium of contributors, including Incat Crowther, Zero Emissions Industries, BAE Systems and Hornblower Group, who Incat Crowther worked closely with on the recent NYC Ferry newbuild program.
The project is supported by a grant from the California Air Resources Board, administered by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, that comes from the California Climate Investments initiative, a California state-wide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment - particularly in disadvantaged communities. Upon delivery, the vessel will operate in the Bay Area of California and exhibit the viability of the hydrogen fuel cell marine technology and demonstrate a pathway to commercialization.
Another interesting announcement this week comes from boat builders Telwater. Telwater have made big movements in the trailer industry, launching its first loose trailer range - Move Trailers, enabling any boatie across Australia to purchase the hand-crafted, purpose-built product for their new or used boat. Whilst the line is set to hit the pavement soon, Telwater has decades of trailer building history under its belt, first putting their tools towards the original prototype build in 2003. Following two years of Research and Development, which is said to be the "perfecting stage" of Telwater's craftmanship, the Gold Coast-built range made its public debut in 2005. Over the next 16 years of production, Telwater would see to develop a fully-fledged force of trailers, where today the brand boasts an impressive, comprehensive range, suited to Aluminium, Plate and Fibreglass boats.
Further news of industry expansion comes from Queensland builder Maritimo. Victorian marine industry dynasty, Streaker Marine, owned by the Savage family, will become Maritimo's consultants in the southern state from this month. With a history stretching back to 1973 when it manufactured Streaker Boats, Streaker Marine, has a proud track record in the Victorian boating sector with its Bayswater retail facility recognised as one of the best in the industry.
The family-owned operation has evolved from a manufacturer of high-quality fibreglass trailer boats in the 1970s to a full-service retail brokerage representing such signature brands as Quintrex, Yamaha, Cruise Craft and Yellowfin Plate Boats. Streaker Marine has been awarded Quintrex boat's most successful dealer and Yamaha Platinum dealer accolades for many years. The business is owned and operated by industry stalwarts Paul Savage and his sons Paul Junior and Sean who between them bought out Leon's share of the business in 2017. Streaker Marine is widely recognized throughout Victoria as one of the industry's most professional and successful full-service brokerage and retail outlets.
New arrivals to the Australian and NZ market include a new Leopard. The long-awaited release of the Leopard 46 Powercat has finally been announced. Aussie and Kiwi Multihull Powerboat enthusiasts will get their first opportunity to view this all-new model when the first boats arrive in Australia for the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 19-22 May 2022. The new Leopard 46 Powercat offers total luxury, massive outdoor living spaces, and class-leading home-away-from-home accommodations all wrapped in an ultra-modern package. This new model is the end result of almost 30 years of accumulated design experience, as well as an injection of totally new thinking.
From Europe, via Australian dealer Eyachts, Axopar are introducing a true crossover between comfortable day boating and extended island-hopping, where the seaworthiness and handling all Axopars are renowned for come to the fore. An innovative and compelling solution, the Axopar 25 strictly adheres to its proven award-winning legacy and DNA. With the 25, Axopar dive into the thriving world of cuddy cruisers, and another leap forward in terms of value for money; now offering more space, more overall comfort and more all-round capability. Eyachts MD Peter Hrones says, "the new Axopar 25 was extremely well received on its release at the 2021 Cannes Boat Show. To have an 8m boat (25ft) legally trailable in Australia and NZ is very exciting. The new Axopar 25 Cross Bow and Cross Top are set to be the ultimate all-rounder."
Finally, an announcement from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority outlines their stance regarding the Covid situation. The AMSA, like other businesses and organisations across Australia, has been affected by the ongoing response to Covid outbreaks. They say, "We are continuing to provide regulatory services to our stakeholders and the wider community, and our priorities remain: ensuring safe vessel operations, combating marine pollution and responding to people in distress. We have plans and processes in place to ensure our business operations continue during the Covid crisis."
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com