Our industry continues to develop propulsion technology - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 24 Mar 2022 22:00 GMT
Hybrid diesel-electric system from Transfluid and Elcome © Mounette Azim Got Design Me
While seriously unpleasant events happen in another part of the world, and we are mindful of this, our newsletter focus remains on the marine industry. We continue to receive reports of alternative power/propulsion developments.
Elcome International will introduce a revolutionary new hybrid diesel-electric boat propulsion system, as well as a full suite of marine electronic products, at the India Boat & Marine Show this week. The system architecture, developed by Transfluid, incorporates a clutch and transmission that enables fast and seamless switching between electric-only, diesel-only or combination modes.
When the clutch is disengaged, the vessel runs solely on battery power, providing silent emission-free running. When in "engine" mode, the clutch is engaged, and the diesels propel the boat while also simultaneously recharging the batteries. In the "booster" mode, the battery-driven electric motor and diesel engines combine to deliver maximum thrust for the powertrain. The lithium batteries can also be charged from a shore power connection when at the pier, and from on-board solar panels when under way.
Locally, getting out on the water will be made more accessible at a range of Victorian boat ramps with the Andrews Labor Government reinvesting boater registration and licencing fees to fund new dredging grants. Available through the Recreational Boating Access and Dredging Program, and overseen by Better Boating Victoria, six organisations are sharing in newly awarded grants worth a total of $487,490, to be invested across seven projects.
In Port Phillip Bay, grants will improve boating access at Tootgarook and Half Moon Bay through maintenance dredging, while two kinds of dredging - a trial of a cutter section dredge and use of a long reach excavator - will be undertaken at the entrance of Kananook Creek in Frankston.
Notification of boat show attendances continue to be received. This year's SCIBS is another big one for Navico with a huge range of Lowrance®, B&G®, Simrad® Yachting, C-MAP® and JL Audio products on display at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. From Simrad Yachting, for the first time in Australia, the newly launched Simrad® NSX™ chartplotter and fishfinder will be on display.
The NSX is available in 7", 9" and 12" display sizes and is based on a new operating system built from the ground up to redefine boating experiences. NSX features an innovative and modern interface with a new, intuitive touch screen experience with crystal clear views. Charts include powerful C-MAP® navigation capabilities and compatibility with sonar, radar and autopilot systems. Simple Setup Wizards guide users through each step during device setup, and Simrad® app integration makes connectivity from your smartphone easier than ever.
Continuing reports of buoyant market conditions, Groupe Beneteau 2021 earnings has indicated strong growth over the past twelve months. 2021 earnings included revenues up 11.9% based on reported data, 2021 income from ordinary operations of €95.8m, representing 7.8% of revenues, higher than the "pre-Covid" level of profitability from 2019 and Net cash of €222m at end-2021 after investments and acquisitions.
New boats launched this week include the Iliad 53S. On the back of its remarkable success since the company's launch in 2019, ILIAD Catamarans has just announced this latest model. Signalling a departure from the flybridge design that distinguishes its current models (the 50, 62 and 74) the new 53S features a sporty sedan silhouette making it ideal for unrestricted cruising throughout the world's waterways.
With a comprehensively optioned model priced from USD 1.76M, the ILIAD 53S is expected to enjoy strong demand from buyers seeking a semi-custom motor yacht that features outstanding space, economy and performance.
Our expanded industry news takes in our near neighbours in the South Pacific and one of the largest boat dealers in the region is Simpson Marine. Simpson Marine employs the services of leading shore-based recruiter Marine Resources, to drive the expansion of their team through key strategic roles across Sales, Brokerage and Service in and around Asia.
The UK's leading specialist recruitment company to the Leisure Marine and Superyacht Industry, Marine Resources, have been selected as the sole recruiter to partner with Simpson Marine for this exciting period of expanding their team in Asia. The first project of the partnership will see the appointment of experienced Client Service Managers in Thailand and Hong Kong and experienced Yacht Brokers in Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia.
And more news from Asia is that the Ferretti Group is excited to announce the sale of a wallytender43 to Singapore. Facilitated by Hong Seh Marine - Ferretti Yachts, Riva and Pershing's exclusive local dealer - the gorgeous Gunmetal-coloured tender was purchased by an owner already familiar with the Group's various brands. Excitingly, the purchase marks not only the first new Wally to be sold to Singapore, but the first for the entire Southeast Asian region as well.
Further afield but aimed at all marine industry members, the GMBA held their first face-to-face meeting at the prestigious Real Club Nautico de Palma, on 14-16 March. Over the two days a number of key issues affecting the recreational marine sector were raised and discussed in depth. The discussion tended to centre around small business operators and the difficulties they were facing in planning for the future in the current environment. It was seen as critical to the success of these businesses that they had access to factual, quality information on which to base decision-making.
More industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania
Stay optimistic,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com