What lies ahead in 2022 - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 13 Jan 2022 22:00 GMT
The ACR Electronics ResQLink View RLS can now be used in Australia following the approval of Return Link Service in the country © ACR Electronics
While we thought that we were through the worst of the Covid pandemic, the advent of the Omicron variant has put most of us on the back foot as we try to live with the acceptance that nothing will change overnight. Many sections of the economy have experienced catastrophic impacts to their businesses, especially travel and hospitality.
However, from all accounts the boating industry continues to flourish as consumers take to the water where close contacts and social intercourse is easily controlled in an open-air environment. The only handbrake is the availability of components needed in completing new build as supply chains are affected by multiple regulations and in some cases lack of workers.
Nevertheless, experts advise that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and with vaccine rates reaching levels that provides a platform to be confident this epidemic can be beaten, the industry can look forward to increased sales and ongoing financial confidence. We will continue to update you with all the latest industry news and this week we feature some new products.
ACR Electronics has announced that its next-generation ResQLink™ Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) with Return Link Service (RLS) are now approved in Australia. Offering survivors vital reassurance in a life-threatening emergency, the Galileo Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Return Link alerting technology is available with the ResQLink View RLS and the ResQLink 410 RLS.
The ground-breaking ResQLink View RLS is the world's first PLB with the capability to provide the user with a clear confirmation message via a digital display screen, verifying that the international satellite system Cospas-Sarsat has received their distress message and location. The ResQLink 410 RLS has a confirmation light to indicate that a signal has been received.
Garmin® International Inc, a unit of Garmin Ltd, the world's largest and most innovative marine electronics manufacturer, has announced the MS-RA60 marine stereo and EL Series speaker kit and the MS-RA210 premium marine stereo and XS Series speaker kit from Fusion® Entertainment, a Garmin brand. Bundling the choice of a MS-RA60 or MS-RA210 marine stereo with the choice of EL Series or XS Series marine speakers, Fusion stereo and speaker kits simplify the decision-making process for marine audio upgrades by offering an affordable, all-in-one solution packed with advanced audio features and modern aesthetics.
Again, propulsion makes the front page. Recent years have seen increasing efforts all over the world to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions towards the realization of a carbon neutral society. 123 countries and one region including Japan have already announced the goal of achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050, and policies to reduce use of fossil fuels are being formulated around the world towards achieving this goal.
For example, the European Commission recently announced its intention to ban the sale of new cars with gasoline and diesel-powered engines by 2035. At the same time, hydrogen is attracting worldwide attention as a clean energy source that can replace fossil fuels. Yanmar has developed a fuel cell technology that uses hydrogen to produce electricity towards the realization of a carbon neutral society.
Two New Zealand companies make the news this week. Garmin® Ltd today announced it has acquired Auckland-based Vesper Marine, a privately-held provider of AIS, VHF and vessel monitoring solutions for the marine industry. This acquisition is expected to bolster Garmin's industry-leading line-up of marine products and technology designed to provide peace of mind and enhanced situational awareness for boaters. With almost 15 years of experience, Vesper has developed a suite of communication products and solutions for power, sail and workboats, including the award-winning Cortex system.
Cortex combines a state-of-the-art VHF radio with Vesper's unique smartAIS transponder and remote vessel monitoring technology. Vesper's smartAIS transponders incorporate built-in alarms to alert mariners of potential collisions, dragging anchors and man overboard situations. The company also offers mobile apps to monitor, view and manage a Cortex system or smartAIS transponder for iOS and Android devices.
Penske New Zealand has added another string to its bow, welcoming DEUTZ engines to its product portfolio, effective January 2022. Representing the complete DEUTZ product range, Penske New Zealand will further strengthen its off-highway offering, particularly in the energy solutions, agriculture, marine, and construction applications.
"DEUTZ's range of efficient, reliable, and high performing engines and power systems will perfectly complement our current mtu portfolio," said Brent Warner, general manager of Penske New Zealand. "With a comprehensive product range, DEUTZ has solutions for a wide variety of energy solutions, marine, construction, and agricultural applications.
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Stay safe and well,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com