Middle East

(Photo: Seakeeper)

Seakeeper Opens Dealer Training Site in Italy

Seakeeper, a developer of marine motion control systems, has launched a new training facility in San Salvatore, Italy. This European location will enhance training access for partners outside North America, helping to build a global network of skilled technicians to support Seakeeper’s expanding customer base.“Our dedication to continuous improvement goes beyond our products; it’s also about the people who support them,” said Seakeeper president and CEO Andrew Semprevivo. “Our new training facility in Italy is part of our commitment to ensuring our partners are the best in the industry.

Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary and Managing Director of the Yacht Club de Monaco (center), with Leif Stavøstrand, founder of Evoy (left) and Stewart Wilkinson, Founder of Vita (right) at the Yacht Club de Monaco. (Photo credit: @Francesco Ferri / Vita)

Marine Electrification Companies Vita and Evoy Merge

Electric marine technology companies Vita and Evoy announced they are merging to consolidate their positions in high-power electric marine propulsion in both commercial and recreational markets.In coming together, the companies said they plan to leverage scale to drive down prices for the end user, fast tracking development, and providing immediate access to territories across Europe and North America with active operations in the U.K., Norway, France, Italy, Monaco and California.Evoy’s high-output inboard and outboard systems are currently in operation in 19 countries…

(Photo: HamiltonJet)

HamiltonJet Breaks Ground on New Production Facility

Works began today on a new state-of-the-art production facility for capacity expansion for HamiltonJet, the New Zealand manufacturer of marine propulsion technology. This morning’s groundbreaking ceremony was held on site in Lunns Road, Christchurch.HamiltonJet has over 70 years of experience designing and manufacturing waterjet propulsion systems. It was founded in the 1950s by Sir William Hamilton - who pioneered the first commercial waterjet - and the company remains a market leader of waterjets and vessel controls.The new plant…

Jalal Bouhdada, CEO, Applied Risk, and Liv A. Hovem, CEO of DNV’s Accelerator, a new business area dedicated to rapidly growing new DNV businesses, services and solutions. Image courtesy DNV

DNV Aims to Bolster Maritime Cyber Defense with Acquisition of Applied Risk

DNV will acquire industrial cyber security specialist Applied Risk, aiming to build the world’s largest industrial cyber security practice.Cyber threats to the maritime community is a large and growing problem, with the maritime industry experiencing a 400% increase in attempted attacks between February and June 2020, according to Naval Dome. As proven by well-publicized examples in recent years, recovery can cost hundreds of millions of dollars and can effectively shutter global operations for extended periods.In January 2021…

© petert2 / Adobe Stock

Superyachts Enjoy Pandemic Tailwind as Rich Seek Zen at Sea

When Chinese billionaire Jack Ma took a trip to Spain's Mallorca island last month, much was made of it being his first foreign foray since a 2020 fallout with regulators had clipped his wings.However, Ma's sunny sojourn on his newly-built 88-metre (289 ft) cruise boat Zen - estimated to be worth $200 million - also put a spotlight on a global trend: the return of the superyacht.As the number of billionaires grows and COVID-19 has added to incentives for avoiding crowds, the multi…

Image courtesy Inmarsat

Inmarsat Milestones: 10k Ships with Fleet Express Installed, 'Fleet Data Academy' Launched

Ship data consumption is booming, and as digitalization and data trends increasingly drive the maritime world, Inmarsat celebrated a pair of milestones, hitting the 10,000 vessel mark on Fleet Xpress installations and launching its "Fleet Data Academy."Traffic DoublesAccording to Inmarsat, the growth in Fleet Xpress now includes the world’s leading container ship and tanker owners, such as MOL, K-Line and Hapag-Lloyd, offshore support giants like Bourbon, Tidewater and Maersk Supply, as well as growing numbers of yachts, passenger ships and fishing boats.

Simon Judson (Photo: Peters & May)

Peters & May Announces Senior Management Appointments

Following the announcement of Simon Judson’s appointment as Peters & May’s new CEO, the global marine transport and logistics provider has revealed further changes to its senior management team as part of internal structural changes within the company and the strengthening of its business operations in response to changing industry demands.Based at the company’s UK head office, Simon Judson will head up the new senior management team and oversee the company’s wide range of services…

(Photo: Allsalt Maritime)

Allsalt Maritime Expands in US and Singapore

Marine shock mitigation technology provider Allsalt Maritime Corporation announced Thursday it has opened new sales and support offices in the U.S. and Singapore in response to market growth in the commercial and recreational boating industries.Victoria, B.C.-based Allsalt Maritime, owner of the Shoxs and Kinetix brands, said its new U.S. office is located in Edgewater, Fla., and will be led by newly appointed brand development and U.S. managing director Lisa Wood, a marketing and business development professional with more than 20 years of experience managing brands such as Stanley…

(Photo: Yanmar)

Yanmar Opens Middle East Branch in Dubai

Japanese engine manufacturer Yanmar said it will soon open a new parts warehouse at its Middle East Branch, located in the United Arab Emirates, near Dubai Airport.The Middle East Branch began operation in January of 2019 in the Dubai Airport Free Zone providing sales, service support and training to dealers in Yanmar’s middle east territory. The new site, which serves both Yanmar’s marine pleasure and marine commercial engines business in the Middle East region, is operated by Yanmar subsidiary and Asia regional headquarters…

2018 Golden Globe Race competitor, Gregor McGuckin, is reunited with partner Barbara O'Kelly onboard HMAS Ballarat, at Fleet Base East, Western Australia. (Photo: Richard Cordell / © Commonwealth of Australia)

Rescued Solo Yachtsmen Heading Home

Two yachtsmen who were rescued during a solo round-the-world race are making their way home.Irish national Gregor McGuckin was brought to Australia on board Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Ballarat, which returned to port Monday. The naval ship sent a helicopter to recover McGuckin from a French scientific research station on Amsterdam Island after he was transported there by French Fisheries Patrol Vessel Osiris.Indian Navy Commander Abhilash Tomy, who suffered a back injury…

Photo courtesy of Element

Exova Warringtonfire Welcomes Chinese Delegation

Exova Warringtonfire hosted a delegation of senior representatives from the China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association (CCYIA) on Friday, September 7, 2018, to discuss providing testing and certification services to Chinese suppliers of interior materials and products for Chinese-built passenger ships. Exova Warringtonfire is part of Element Materials Technology (Element), a world-class global testing partner.The meeting was proposed by the Department for International Trade…

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADNEC  (Photo: ADNEC)

ADIBS Primed as Gateway to $60mln Industry

The changing face of the Middle East’s marine industry and the immense potential of Abu Dhabi’s marine sector will be thrown into the spotlight as the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) gets underway from October 17-20, 2018. Organized and hosted by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), ADIBS will be a gateway to the unlimited market potential and opportunities of the country’s marine sector, which is currently estimated at US$ 60 billion.Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri…

Photo: HullWiper

New Onboard Hull Cleaning Solution Launched

HullWiper Ltd’s eco-friendly hull cleaning technology is now available as a flexible onboard solution that allows all types of vessels to clean hull fouling on demand.The onboard version of the diver- and brush-free remotely operated vehicle (ROV) gives vessels on a tight schedule the means to perform a partial or full hull clean on a planned rotation, as and when needed. Cruise ships and super yachts can clean at every stop without interruption to their timetables or inconvenience to passengers.The onboard solution…

Photo: Heesen Yachts

Heesen Appoints BehneMar as Middle East Agent

Heesen has announced the appointment of BehneMar as its agent for the Middle East, which will represent the shipyard in United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, State of Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Lebanese Republic.Following an increase in demand for superyachts in the region, Heesen has entered a partnership with the Gulf’s leading luxury yacht consultant with offices in Dubai and Riyadh.BehneMar will promote the Heesen brand among its distinguished and select group of clients…

Guillaume Delcourt (Photo: ACR Electronics)

ACR Electronics Names Delcourt Sales Manager

ACR Electronics, Inc. manufacturer of maritime safety and survival products, has appointed a new sales manager within its Land and Marine Division for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Guillaume Delcourt will focus on expanding ACR’s international sales footprint in these geographic regions as demand increases for its popular range of 406 MHz beacons, AIS man overboard devices, distress lights and other safety products for the recreational and commercial markets. Delcourt brings several years of experience in the marine sector to his new role at ACR…

Yacht Industry to Reach $51bln by 2020

In 2014, the global yacht charter market was valued at USD 35 billion and is projected to reach USD 51 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period, according to Market Report. Region wise, Eastern Europe is expected to see the largest growth of 7.2% annually with other regions growing at an average rate of 6.5%. The emerging markets including the Middle East and China are expected to continue growing consistently. The Middle East yacht market has been experiencing an approximate annual growth of 5-10%.

Photo: Fairline Yachts

Fairline Celebrates First Year Under New Management

British luxury boat manufacturer, Fairline Yachts, is celebrating one year since the all-new management team took over the boatyard. Under the leadership of a highly experienced marine industry management team, the company has employed 227 people, launched two new models (the Targa 53 OPEN and Squadron 53), updated the interior finishes across the 48ft model range, added a hardtop option and new interior to the Squadron 65 and unveiled plans for two highly anticipated and completely new boats.

Photo: Torqeedo

Torqeedo Eyes Growth in Asia and Australia

With new partnerships, Torqeedo reports it has opened up new markets in Asia and Australia. Power Equipment Pty Ltd. from Melbourne, on Australia’s southern coast, is the new distributor for all Torqeedo products in Australia and New Zealand. Power Equipment holds a strong market position on the Fifth Continent with own subsidiaries throughout the country and a dealer network including Australia's largest naval store, JV Marine World. Power Equipment will introduce Torqeedo’s electric propulsion systems to the Australian market through a large-scale test event on the water.

The VPS Air-Assisted Drive on Docking System from VersaDock, as shown at DIMDEX, courtesy of distributor Marsol International (Photo: Marsol International)

Marsol International Appoints Middle East Distributor for VersaDock

Marsol International has been appointed to expand beyond its current territories as the central Middle East distributor by VersaDock, the UK manufacturer of modular docking systems for commercial, defence and leisure applications. Marsol, which has been the distributor for VersaDock for the last six years, is now expanding its collaboration with VersaDock into the Indian Ocean, including the Maldives and Seychelles. The company will continue to cover the UAE and Gulf States. Based in Dubai, Marsol specializes in commercial and technical marine service solutions for SPM and offshore terminals.