Propulsion Systems

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…

Schottel EcoPeller Meets Yachting Sector Demand for Thruster Efficiency

Owners, naval architects and shipyards are increasingly turning to environmentally friendly propulsion technologies for yachts. They heavily focus on thruster efficiency and thruster usability in conjunction with diesel-electric ship concepts. Schottel says its EcoPeller (SRE) meets these requirements.It can be ordered with power ratings up to 5,400kW per thruster and is currently being delivered for several newbuild yachts. With lengths of up to 100 meters, the super- and giga-yachts are being equipped with SREs ranging from power ratings of 560kW up to 1…

Rolls-Royce Introduces New Bridge and Propulsion Systems

In line with its “Bridge to Propeller” strategy for maritime applications, the business unit Power Systems of Rolls-Royce has expanded its yacht portfolio.This includes new bridge and automation solutions from specialist Team Italia Marine, which Rolls-Royce acquired in July 2023. Already today, numerous shipyards for motor yachts between 30 and 100 meters in length rely on integrated bridge and automation solutions from the new Italian subsidiary, especially Italian yacht builders who occupy a prominent position on the international market.

Hundested Propeller Acquires Ocean Marine Systems

Hundested Propeller announced it has acquired Ocean Marine Systems Ltd (OMS) and with immediate effect welcomes the U.K. organization as a subsidiary.For over 100 years, Hundested Propeller has been a manufacturer of marine equipment and today it supplies complete controllable pitch propulsion systems, marine gearboxes, thrusters and sail drive solutions. The purchase of OMS will increase its thruster range, and OMS will continue its range of hydraulic cylinders and through-hull instrument deployment systems used in underwater security and seabed mapping applications.The former owners of OMS…

Mercury Begins Shipping First Avator Electric Outboards

Marine propulsion engine manufacturer Mercury Marine announced the first group of Avator 7.5e electric outboards has shipped to global customers— a milestone in company’s electrification strategy.The 7.5e is the first of Mercury’s five Avator electric propulsion systems to be announced this year. In January, the company officially launched the 7.5e and displayed concepts of Avator 20e and 35e, both of which will be released later in 2023. Two additional electrification product…

Alewijnse Completes Electrical Install for New Superyacht

Maritime electrical and automation solutions integrator Alewijnse said it has completed the electrical installations on board the first two Amels 60s from the new 60-meter Amels Limited Editions design.Its role involved supplying and installing the entire electrical scope for the first Amels 60 COME TOGETHER and part of the electrical scope for the second Amels 60 ENTOURAGE - with the exception of the supply of the AV/IT system on the second yacht. This included the yachts’ state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion systems with peak shaving capability together with their energy storage systems…

Mercury Marine Opens New Global Distribution Center in Indiana

Mercury Marine opened its new, purpose-built distribution center to support its parts and accessories business. The new 512,000 square foot facility is located near Indianapolis, Ind., a major thoroughfare connecting Mercury’s global customers that will improve delivery and service and will add much needed capacity for scale, stability, and reduced logistics costs, the company said.Mercury’s current distribution facility at its global headquarters in Fond du Lac, Wis., will be repurposed to support its propulsion systems…

Pair of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Vessels to Sport Azipod Propulsion

ABB inked a deal with Chantiers de l’Atlantique for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to supply the electric propulsion systems and remote support for the luxury cruise operator’s two forthcoming mega-yachts. The ships are the second and third in a series that began with Ritz-Carlton Evrima, to start operations later this year, also featuring ABB technologies on board.With a capacity of 456 passengers, the two yachts will be larger than the 298-passenger Evrima while maintaining the exclusivity and personalized service that differentiate Ritz-Carlton.

Hundested Propeller Names New CEO

Hundested Propeller A/S announced it has appointed Henrik Hamann Juel as CEO with immediate effect.Hamann Juel brings a wealth of experience from his prior work within the manufacturing of marine generators, aquaculture and wind energy. His roles have included CEO, COO, factory manager in both medium-sized businesses and large international corporations.“I am looking forward to working with the team here at Hundested Propeller,” Hamann Juel said. “Towards the end of 2021 the company underwent a strategic restructure to further meet the needs of our customers…

Tech File: Compact Version of Schottel EcoPeller

Schottel presents a space-saving LC installation variant of its EcoPeller (SRE). By dispensing with the gearbox in the L variant and thus featuring lower noise and vibration levels, the unit is ideal for the yachting sector. These compact variants open up greater design freedom in the stern area for ship designers, increase on board comfort for passengers and create more space for other equipment. The new SRE LC variants, which cover the power range starting at 500 kW, are available now.Maximum mechanical efficiency is also assured as the SRE is systematically designed as an L-Drive.

Yanmar Expands Saildrive Offering

YANMAR Marine International has announced the market launch of custom solutions to pair with the new SD15 saildrive by ZF, strengthening its range of products for the sailing sector. The new systems for larger vessels up to 65 feet enables more boat owners and boat builders to benefit from the combined technology and efficiencies of YANMAR’s higher power common rail engines and compatible saildrive models.Following the roll-out of the full range of easy-to-install and low-drag SD15 systems…

ABB Power & Propulsion for 100-meter-plus Superyacht

ABB has won a contract to deliver power and propulsion systems for the superyacht to be constructed by the German yacht builder Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard (A&R). Scheduled for delivery in 2025, the 100-meter-plus vessel will be one of the largest ever constructed at A&R’s yard in Lemwerder, Northern Germany. The extensive scope of ABB systems onboard will include Azipod propulsion, Onboard DC Grid, a 500kWh Energy Storage System (ESS) and Power and Energy Management System (PEMS), whose combined and fully integrated capabilities will reduce emissions, noise, and vibration.

ePropulsion Launches Australian Presence

Marine electric propulsion systems company ePropulsion announced it has expanded its distribution network in Australia by launching ePropulsion AU. This new business unit will handle all sales, service, support and any repairs or warranty claims for the Australian market. ePropulsion AU is based in Melbourne, which is a community at the forefront of electric propulsion in Australia.Danny Tao, co-founder and CEO of ePropulsion, said,  “Electric propulsion in Australia is on the…

Ferretti, Rolls-Royce Power ink pact on Hybrid, IMO III Propulsion Systems for Yachts

Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Ferretti Group are deepening their cooperation and jointly developing sustainable solutions for future yachts. A first milestone is a cooperation to install a mtu hybrid propulsion system of Rolls-Royce in a new Ferretti yacht. Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group and Andreas Schell, CEO from Rolls-Royce Group's Power Systems Division, signed the agreement earlier this month in Cannes during the Yachting Festival. “In recent years, Ferretti Group has reported rapid growth and development, bringing beauty and innovation to the marine industry.

New Oyster 495 Powered by Yanmar

Yanmar announced a partnership with Oyster Yachts and its involvement in Oyster’s newest addition to the Oyster Yachts family, the Oyster 495.Joining an iconic line-up of blue water sailboats up to 120ft, the Oyster 495 may be the smallest in the range at 50ft but it retains all the core values that have made Oyster Yachts so special. The perfect yacht for small families, the Oyster 495 offers comfort and style, and being effortless to handle is fun to sail and live on board.Working with Barrus’s Marine Diesel Division…

Mercury Marine Announces New Global Leadership Team

Mercury Marine, the marine propulsion systems division of Brunswick Corporation, announced multiple job moves and promotions within its global leadership team, effective immediately.Will Sangster is promoted to President, Mercury EMEA. Sangster has been General Manager of ANZP since 2014 and added responsibility for the Asia region in 2019. Under his leadership, Mercury APAC has continued to grow revenue and market share. Sangster will relocate to Mercury’s European headquarters in Petit-Rechain…

Wider Sea Named Steerprop Sales Rep

Azimuth propulsion systems manufacturer Steerprop has appointed Wider Sea as its sales representation agency for the Benelux and Monaco from April 1. Wider Sea is owned by Matteo Masi and based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.“I’m excited for Matteo Masi and his company to complement the Steerprop team as our independent sales representative,” said Juho Rekola, Director Sales and Project Management of Steerprop. “His experience and connections within the marine industry, combined…

Torqeedo Sets Up Direct Distribution in Norway

Electric propulsion and hybrid drives manufacturer Torqeedo said it ha established direct distribution in Norway to address the growing market for its systems in the region.Norway has a long tradition of seafaring and is a world maritime center for shipping, shipyards and maritime infrastructure, commercial fishing, offshore oil/gas, ferries, pleasure boats and a rapidly growing offshore wind industry.“Norway is a world leader in the movement toward electrification of land and water transportation…

YANMAR Introduces New VC20 Vessel Control System

YANMAR Marine International is launching a new Vessel Control System delivering the advanced functionality, modern design and easy installation suited to evolve alongside its latest electronically controlled engines in the years ahead.Featuring simplified electrical management, a high-quality appearance, and significant functional improvements, the next generation YANMAR VC20 Vessel Control System integrates with YANMAR’s complete line up of common rail engine series, transmissions, controls and displays.The VC20 has been developed for single, twin and triple engine installations.