Power News continues to make headlines - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 28 Apr 2022 23:00 BST
EV Maritime EVM200 Electric Fast Ferry © Danfoss
Danfoss Power Solutions' Editron division will provide the electric drivetrain systems that will power Auckland's first two fully electric fast passenger ferries. The project will be the first to be delivered as part of a memorandum of understanding with marine technology firm EV Maritime, which will see the two companies partner to electrify ferry fleets in cities worldwide.
With approximately six million passenger journeys per year, Auckland's current ferry fleet burns 13 million litres of diesel annually, releasing about 34,000 tons of CO2. To overcome this issue, Auckland Transport is aiming for all its services to become 100% electric by 2030, which should save one million tons of CO2 every year.
Meanwhile Energy Observer continues to sail across the oceans in south-east Asia, the 71st stopover of its round the world Odyssey being in Thailand. Following an ambitious stopover in Singapore, which gathered major players in the maritime transport and energy industries around the vessel and its pedagogical exhibition village, our floating laboratory left the city-state to set course for Pattaya.
Thailand's energy policy consists of reducing its dependence on natural gas to bolster its energy independence. The country has a long and rich history, attaining universal access to electricity several decades ago, with its energy consumption per inhabitant doubling over the past 20 years. Today, Thailand aspires to become the 'Silicon Valley of Asia', by completely transforming its electricity sector and investing heavily in renewable energies.
Back home, Brisbane is a major step closer to becoming the Asia Pacific region's premier superyacht destination - and a more strategic location for Defence and commercial vessels - after Rivergate Marina and Shipyard gained approval for a $200 million expansion. Brisbane City Council has approved the application for an expanded maintenance and refit hub based on the Brisbane River, which would be the catalyst for a jobs and economic bonanza for Queensland's marine and tourism industries.
The proposed expansion of the internationally acclaimed maritime precinct is forecast to dramatically increase superyacht visitation to Australia while also providing vital new capability to service Australian Defence Force and Australian Border Force vessels.
More news regards boat show appearances with Whitehaven at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show: The Whitehaven display will be at the Marina on Pier E/F1 and on display the the latest 6800SY 'Chance', a highly customised 7000SY. Also, the 28 Molokai Power Catamaran. The incredible ride, inspired by native Hawaiian watercraft, is born from the rigors of island hopping in the tumultuous waters of the Pacific Ocean, making the Aquila 28 Molokai Power Catamaran perfectly suited for almost any boating condition.
Alexander Marine Australia, the exclusive dealer for Ocean Alexander and Galeon yachts in Australia and New Zealand, will be hosting the highly anticipated world debut of the Ocean Alexander 28 Explorer at the Sanctuary Cove Show (19-22 May). Expanding on the popular Revolution series, and through participating in focus group discussions as to the needs of Ocean Alexander owners and the market, the Explorer series takes the incredible interior volume and accommodations Ocean Alexander is renowned for and elevates it with impressive exterior amenities.
These remarkable yachts expand the exterior space for socializing and entertaining family and friends, and are designed to bring a multitude of toys with you to maximize exploring opportunities on long journeys to exotic locations.
In a proudly Australian world premiere last week, an enormous multi-panel Riviera emblem was rotated to reveal the Australian flag as 50 Riviera team members welcomed the newest model, the 4600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition at the company's Gold Coast facility. The team members then lined up to enthusiastically celebrate the superb new yacht as it entered the morning light. The new 4600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition from Australia's premium luxury boat builder is an outstanding example of innovation, luxury and inspiring spaces.
A new product that will be of interest to all boat owners, large or small, power or sail, is the Fibrelight Cradle. The Fibrelight cradle is a Man Overboard Recovery Device that has the versatility to recover casualties into many different types and sizes of vessel. It can be operated by a single crewmember and used as a boarding ladder, and scramble net. The Fibrelight Cradle is lighter, more compact, better value and a more versatile than any comparable MOB recovery device on the market.
Made from carbon fibre reinforced material that contains carbon fibres which are five times stronger and twice as stiff than steel, and yet is about one third of the weight, the Cradle requires only regular inspections and minimal maintenance, so there is no requirement to pay for annual servicing.
And from Victoria, the Gran Turismo Open Day (co-organised, by Sundance Marine and Beneteau Asia Pacific) took place in late March. It was a great success with highly positive media reviews and good attendance from local boat owners and marine enthusiasts on event date. The goal of the event was to promote Beneteau's new generation sports cruiser range to clients and media based in Australia.
While the weather during first few months of 2022 has not been the best for boating, demand will no doubt increase as we move through the year. Boat shows are predicted to have record attendances and the market is buoyant despite the inference of interest rate increases. With a general election looming in May activity may appear to have stalled but by June it will be all systems go.
Stay safe,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com