Marine Ecology Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

SEEK Phuket in 2012 supported by Yacht Solutions

January 26, 2012

In 2012, Yacht Solutions will be supporting SEEK Phuket. SEEK was formed in 2011 by a diverse group of passionate and committed civic, NGO and business leaders in Phuket. SEEK stands for “Society, Environment, Economy, Knowledge”, which main effort is to create a sustainable Phuket while enriching lives and communities.

Phuket - a popular yacht charter destination

Phuket - a popular yacht charter destination

SEEK aims to work with the marine business and co-ordinate with Phuket marinas to put a code of conduct in place that incorporates long term recycling, water runoff, water quality testing and bilge tanks dockside. Also to ensure that all pleasure craft should also have a standard code of conduct. Other marine considerations will include pollution Prevention for Marine Debris to Protect the Andaman Sea Coastal Economy, reducing vessel Pollution, restoring and maintaining valuable ocean and coastal habitats and resources, marine life protection and regional sediment management and increasing public awareness of ocean and coastal issues and encouraging individual stewardship.

Phuket Ocean Week is to be held in conjunction with SEEK ECO Festival in July 2012.

Amels 212 Super Yacht IMAGINE proceeds with Yacht Carbon Offset

January 24, 2012

The first Amels 212 motor yacht Imagine, has presented a policy of carbon offsetting her fuel. The vessel’s operators have gone beyond the required standards of environmental management, by pro-actively reducing her net carbon footprint. To obtain this positive impact, Yacht Carbon Offset counterbalances the greenhouse gas emissions of the Imagine superyacht’s engines with equivalent emissions reductions from verified green energy projects.

Amels 212 Limited Edition Super Yacht Imagine

Amels 212 Super Yacht Imagine

Grahame Shorrocks, the luxury yacht Imagine’s Captain said, “More and more of the guests who come onboard Imagine are increasingly aware of the environmental impact yachting has and are interested in how we can offset these effects. To this end, the operators of Imagine are proceeding with a Yacht Carbon Offset programme, which will allow us to operate in an environmentally sensitive manner in the future.”

Yacht Carbon Offset’s Managing Director Mark Robinson commented, “We warmly welcome Motor Yacht Imagine to the growing fleet of leading superyachts that have decided to take practical steps to offset their carbon footprint. We have seen that Carbon Offsetting is a priority for many of those that own and enjoy the world’s finest yachts and we thank Imagine’s Owner and his team for putting this decision into action.”

62.5m Super Yacht Baton Rouge by Icon Yachts chooses Yacht Carbon Offset

January 23, 2012

The impressive 62.5m motor yacht Baton Rouge, built by Icon Yachts, has introduced a policy of carbon offsetting her fuel. The environmental leadership shown by her Owner also acknowledges the high expectations of her prestigious charter clients. Yacht Carbon Offset counterbalances the carbon footprint of the Baton Rouge superyacht’s engines with equivalent emissions reductions from verified green energy projects.

Icon 62.5m motor yacht Baton Rouge Credit Icon Yachts

Icon 62.5m motor yacht Baton Rouge - Credit: Icon Yachts

Joss de Rohan Willner, the luxury yacht Baton Rouge’s Captain commented, “In reviewing Baton Rouge’s environmental procedures, we decided to address her greenhouse gas emissions through a programme of carbon offsetting. The approach needed to be practical, effective and flexible to suit the yacht’s busy schedule. We are pleased to be working with Yacht Carbon Offset to introduce this measure for 2012.”

Burgess, which manages the super yacht Baton Rouge, acted on behalf of the Owner.  Director Tim Wiltshire explained, “Having decided to proceed with carbon offsetting, the Owner needed to be sure of the beneficial impact. Burgess reviewed the options and were happy to recommend Yacht Carbon Offset’s fully documented service. For us, this is yet another example of providing a comprehensive service for our clients.”

Yacht Carbon Offset’s Managing Director Mark Robinson said, “We are delighted that Baton Rouge has selected Yacht Carbon Offset to neutralise the carbon footprint from her engines. For such a prominent and active yacht, it is natural for environmental performance to be a priority.  We thank the Owner’s team and all on board for their support.”

Yacht Carbon Offset provides a specialist service for those that own and enjoy the world’s leading superyachts and has Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Certification.

Sea-Things´ new DryAfloat bag for yachting and water sports

December 05, 2011

Sea-Things, who design and market eco-friendly carrying bags specifically for the yachting and water sports industry, have introduced a new product with a very user friendly application and wallet friendly price tag – the new eco-friendly DryAfloat bag.

Nautic Sea-Things Eco-friendly bags

Nautic Sea-Things Eco-friendly Carrying Bags

The Sea-Things DryAfloat bag, will safely store a mobile phone, plus a wallet or pocket book, a bunch of keys, and reading glasses etc. All in a fully waterproof PVC enclosure, which is triple sealed against water ingress and has a simple manual inflator providing the bag and its contents with complete buoyancy.

The DryAfloat, which retails at just 6.20 GBP, is also fitted with all round SOLAS grade reflective tape for night visibility.

The clear panel construction allows the user to see the contents and to press keys on the phone. An adjustable lanyard is fitted for carrying purposes.

Sea-Things LLP Managing Partner, Peter Franklin said; “We have added this product to our recycled and reusable bag range, based on our own yachting experience and feedback from other yachtsmen.”

“Once we started talking with boaters about carrying stuff around when afloat, or going ashore in the tender, we soon found at that there was a real demand for a practical and cost effective solution to the problem of damage by sea water, or worse still, total loss of valuable personal effects such as smart phones, wallets, and keys etc.”

Sea-Things are in the process of setting up stockist outlets in many locations around Europe where there are yachting and water sports activities.

In the meantime, the DryAfloat bags and other carrying products for yachting use can be purchased online.

Promising alternative biofuel tested by NMMA

November 21, 2011

Today, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has released the findings from preliminary evaluations on isobutanol-gasoline blends supplied by Gevo. The tests were led by NMMA and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) as the recreational boating industry explores alternative biofuels in response to the U.S. introduction of gasoline containing fifteen percent ethanol, commonly known as E15.

E15 - gasoline containing fifteen percent ethanol

E15 - gasoline containing fifteen percent ethanol

The Environmental Protection Agency recently approved the use of E15 for model year 2001 and newer cars and trucks. However, the boating industry has found that fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol causes severe damage to yacht engines. While marine engines are not currently approved by the EPA for use with E15, misfueling at the pump is a danger for boaters unaware that E15 is not compliant with yacht engines.

In fact, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced results from tests conducted on engines using E15 which revealed performance issues like stalling, corrosion leading to oil or fuel leaks, increased emissions and damaged valves, rubber fuel lines and gaskets. These results reinforced the recreational boating industry’s concern that E15 is not a suitable fuel for yacht engines.

In contrast, the testing conducted on isobutanol reveals it could be a promising biofuel alternative to E15.

The NMMA and ABYC isobutanol evaluations tested components, including older fiberglass tanks, and engines during on-the-water testing on inboard, outboard, jet pump and two-stroke outboard engines. The tests showed isobutanol to produce no more emissions than pure, EPA-approved test gasoline, while producing 30 percent more energy than ethanol. Support from Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) and Volvo made the testing possible through the provisions of product, personnel and testing equipment.

What’s more, the DOE has designated isobutanol a “drop-in biofuel,” meaning it can be used to displace petroleum under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and increasing its use could help reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.  Support from Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) and Volvo Penta made the testing possible through the provisions of product, personnel and testing equipment. Gevo, Inc., producer of isobutanol, supplied the fuel for the testing.

NMMA President Thom Dammrich says of the NMMA and ABYC isobutanol research, “We are pleased with the results of the evaluation on isobutanol and look forward to more testing on this, and other, important alternatives to E15. We know E15 causes significant damage to boat engines and therefore rushing it to the market is irresponsible and an unnecessary step, especially in light of the promising test results on isobutanol.”

2011 ISS Fabien Cousteau Blue Award winner Yacht Carbon Offset

November 08, 2011

Yacht Carbon Offset is happy to be awarded the 2011 International Superyacht Society Fabien Cousteau Blue Award. The Award, created to celebrate stewardship of marine ecosystems, was introduced by Fabien Cousteau during ISS’s International Awards for Design and Leadership Gala in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, on 27 October 2011.

Jill Bobrow Mark Robinson Fabien Cousteau

Jill Bobrow, Mark Robinson and Fabien Cousteau during ISS´s International Awards for Design and Leadership Gala

ISS’s Executive Director, Amy Halsted, long a proponent of sound environmental activism and who serves as one of the ISSFCBA judges, commented: “Any inaugural year of an award is an exciting and engaging process. To have Fabien Cousteau’s support, reputation and direct involvement in the development and implementation of the ISS Fabien Cousteau Blue Award both lends credibility to the award itself and challenges the judges to weigh the merits of the outstanding nominees. Considerable deliberation and an eye toward the expansion of the very nature of the product and company were given to the 2011 nominees.  Ultimately, Yacht Carbon Offset’s ability to immediately promote environmental responsibility won the day.”

Mark Robinson

Yacht Carbon Offset´s Mark Robinson

Yacht Carbon Offset’s Mark Robinson said: “It is a great honour and a major milestone for the company to be recognised in this way; we are elated to have been chosen as the 2011 recipient. We thank ISS membership for their nomination and we are heartened by the decision of the distinguished judges and Fabien Cousteau for their appreciation of the relevance of carbon offsetting to the ocean stewardship agenda. This is an action available to all yachts. We accept this award acknowledging the leading yacht owners, charterers, captains and professionals that have decided to balance their carbon footprint through Yacht Carbon Offset: it is their action that ultimately supports real ecologically driven projects around the world.”

Mark Robinson Amy Halsted

Mark Robinson and ISS´s Executive Director Amy Halsted

Centek Genset Pollution Control Guide at METS 2011

November 07, 2011

2011 METS visitors (Amsterdam RAI, November 15-17, Stand 11.508) can get a free copy of the new Genset Pollution Control Guide created by marine exhaust systems manufacturer Centek Industries.
The guide  helps yacht builders and service yards integrate the company’s Gen-Kleen™ filter system with a generator wet exhaust system to remove hydrocarbon pollution (sheen, soot, unspent gasoline and diesel fuel) from the exhaust cooling water before it is discharged.

Centek_Logo

“The discharge of pollutants into the water is not only eco-politically incorrect, it is often considered grounds for expulsion by many ports and marinas and increasingly, prohibited by regulation,” said Bill Arwood, Centek Industries Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Available for marine gensets from 5 kw and up, a Centek Gen-Kleen system separates raw cooling water from exhaust gases. The dry exhaust gases are vented to the atmosphere and the raw cooling water is scrubbed by a filtration system. The filters are impregnated with a patented formula that binds and captures hydrocarbons while allowing clean water to pass through. Clean water is then returned to the environment.

Built to withstand the harsh marine environment, Gen-Kleen systems are available in two models to accommodate different engine room layouts. The Compact Gen-Kleen integrates many of the system components into a single package. The Component Gen-Kleen disperses the components throughout the engine compartment as space allows.

Over 100 Gen-Kleen systems have been installed on boats and yachts worldwide. Centek has also designed and built more than 14,000 custom marine exhaust systems and is the only company to offer fiberglass exhaust components that are Lloyd’s Register Type approved, ABS type approved and meet or exceed ABYC-P1 standards. Centek’s engineering staff has more than 80 years of marine wet exhaust system design and innovation experience.

West Marine´s Green Product of the Year contest seeks entries

November 07, 2011

West Marine, the US largest specialty retailer of yachting supplies and accessories, is looking for entries to its third annual Green Product of the Year contest, with a deadline set for December 1, 2011. As a part of its BlueFuture™ initiative for a sustainable future of our planet, West Marine continues to look for innovative green yachting products.

WestMarineLogo

The Green Product of the Year will be announced and the award of $10,000 will be presented to the designated Official Winner at the 2012 Miami International Boat Show.

The competition is free and open to individuals, manufacturers, distributors and/or inventors. Judges will select the winner based on the following criteria:

Effectiveness: Is the product as effective as competitive products in the marketplace?

Economical: Is the product priced competitively with existing solutions or similar products in the market? This can be measured on a per-use basis or a cost-justified basis.

Environmental Impact: How does the use of this product benefit the environment? Due to the diversity of product categories, this could be expressed in reduced fuel consumption, reduction of chemicals of concern, reduced air or water pollution, healthier or more abundant fish stocks or other metrics.

Degree of Innovation: Was the product introduced to the marketplace in 2010, 2011 or will it be introduced in 2012?  Is the product different from anything else in the marketplace?  Does the product incorporate new materials or technologies?

Verification of claims:  All environmental or efficacy claims must be verifiable and substantiated by an independent third party.  Entry must provide actual data, test results, laboratory analyses, etc.

Imtech Marine at Europort 2011

November 07, 2011

World-known Imtech Marine technology companies such as Radio Holland Netherlands, Imtech Marine & Offshore, Imtech Marine Germany, Royal Dirkzwager and Free Technics will be presenting their latest innovations at Europort 2011 (8-11 November, Rotterdam) at Stand 1.124 in Hall 1. Imtech Marine will speak about Green Technology, Innovative Automation solutions, ECDIS, Remote monitoring & maintenance, Augmented Reality, and about much more, presenting its wide technology portfolio, green shipping options and global services.

Radio Holland Netherlands

Radio Holland Netherlands

At Europort Imtech celebrates a recent proud achievement. In September Imtech officially received the designation “Royal” Imtech from Her Royal Highness the Queen of the Netherlands. Receiving this honor after 150 years in the business of innovation and sustainability, clearly recognises the achievements of Imtech. Cooperation between its various expert companies gives Imtech Marine an enormous strength, allowing the company to offer an extensive portfolio of maritime technology solutions and services, as well as an unrivalled worldwide network of now 80 offices. Imtech Marine is always pushing the technological boundaries forward and creating new concepts. Ultimately all of the solutions have one thing in common; they are designed to help reduce the total cost of ownership of the vessel and fleet.

Augmented Reality presentation
In a bid to showcase Imtech Marine’s innovative mind-set, visitors are invited to come  and see the spectacular Imtech Marine Augmented Reality presentation. It shows a physical yacht model of an offshore construction vessel. By pointing an iPad at the model one can see the inside of the yacht in 3D imaging, presenting all of the broad technology Imtech Marine can provide. Hovering the iPad over the model will reveal the technologies and systems, as well as green technology and Imtech Marine’s services.

Green technology and green route
Imtech is a frontrunner in sustainable solutions with more than a quarter of our revenue stemming from intelligent, ‘green’ technology solutions. And Imtech Marine will continue to develop green ship concepts and green consultancy. Imtech Marine has been involved in many green projects for several years and many of these sustainable initiatives will be showcased at Europort, where the Imtech Marine booth is part of the Green Route. There are several green shipping areas in which Imtech Marine has proven its capability, focussing on energy savings: Diesel electric propulsion, Smart grids, Fully Hybrid ships, Energy Saving HVAC projects, Optimal Routing, Energetic simulation and dynamic modelling.

Integrated Ship Automation
Imtech Marine’s automation and smart yacht solutions are based on profound maritime process knowledge and aimed at flexibility, efficiency and safety during construction and operation, supported by a truly global network and maximizing the customer’s return on investment. Imtech Marine will demonstrate its integrated automation capabilities at Europort by state-of-the-art multifunctional workstations. Visitors can use these modern consoles and they can experience how it feels to sail a ship with a mobile device. This spectacular presentation will demonstrate Imtech Marine’s capabilities in Navigation, Automation including Collision Avoidance, Route Planning/Monitoring, Dynamic Positioning and Tracking, Autopilot, ECDIS and Conning, Platform Automation, Fire Fighting and Damage Control systems.

Remote Monitoring & Maintenance
Imtech Marine is one of the pioneers of remote monitoring and maintenance; an increasing trend and one that is leading to significant cost savings for ship owners. With growing demand for round-the-clock communications, Imtech Marine was a frontrunner to offer complete connectivity packages using VAT technology. Highly skilled Imtech Marine engineers can repair potential problems by remotely monitoring the system, advise crew or determine the most efficient action in the next port of call. VSAT enables Imtech Marine to monitor and analyse the status of all the vital systems, ultimately saving money and reducing the total cost of ownership. Imtech Marine’s VSAT support desks monitor on board equipment 24/7. At the booth of Imtech Marine a realistic and interesting case study about remote monitoring & maintenance will be presented live at regular intervals.

ECDIS
Another highlight at the stand will be Imtech Marine’s ECDIS solutions. Imtech Marine, being a multi-card supplier, can provide several ECDIS solutions to its customers. Imtech Marine has its own developed ECDIS. Imtech’s SeaGuide ECDIS is suitable for retrofits and new buildings and has many advantages such as being a simple, user-friendly and robust system and crucially, it facilitates fully redundant serial navigation data processing.

Fuel-efficient sailing and efficient port entry
Royal Dirkzwager, Imtech Marine’s specialised maritime information and service provider providing nautical and maritime information, will be demonstrating its latest services at the stand. BridgeAssist focuses on fuel-efficient sailing and efficient port entry. Royal Dirkzwager will give the captain up-to-the minute advice about the most efficient journey, so saving fuel and consequently, cutting down on emissions. Even in the final part of the voyage alone, BridgeAssist can reduce fuel consumption by 5-10%. Ship2Report is a web application that shows all of the actual vessel movements across ports in North Western Europe. Royal Dirkzwager has developed versions for the iPad and Blackberry.

Growth strategy
Earlier this year, Imtech Marine announced its new 2011 – 2015 growth strategy. Its vision is to be an independent top player in the global maritime market and a true life cycle management partner for customers. By effectively combining skills and competences in system integration and maintenance of technology on board,  Imtech Marine supports its customers during the full lifetime of a ship, to achieve unrivalled, competitive cost of ownership. In addition, Imtech provides solutions for the growing requirements of our customers in green technology. Imtech Marine is unique for its worldwide maritime network of now 80 well-positioned service and outfitting locations in more than 20 countries.  Imtech Marine continues to expand this network. In 2011 alone, Imtech Marine added offices in Spain, France, Morocco, China and Canada. At the same time, existing offices will grow into full service hubs by expanding their current technology and services portfolio. Imtech plans to further expand its worldwide network in amongst others Asia Pacific and South America.

Imtech Marine is a leading company in the global maritime market, operating as a full-service provider and system integrator of tailor-made, innovative and sustainable technology solutions covering the whole yacht. Imtech Marine specializes in Automation (Platform and Bridge), Navigation & Communication including Connectivity, Energy & Drive systems, HVAC solutions and Fire Protection systems, A/V Entertainment and Maritime Information Services. Imtech Marine provides innovative systems and reliable services during the full lifetime of the yacht. The company reached annual revenues of more than €500 million in 2010, employing 2,500 employees at nearly 80 offices based along shipping routes and close to shipbuilding centres.

NMMA member before Congress on E15

November 04, 2011

On Wednesday, Mr. David Hilbert spoke before Congress in the name of NMMA about E15 and marine engines. Mr. Hilbert, thermodynamic development engineer for Mercury Marine, a division of the Brunswick Corporation, took part in a Congressional hearing before the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. A number of specialists testified on E15 and its effects before the Subcommittee. Mr. Hilbert was responsible for the research on E15 and its effects on marine engines as shown by the Department of Energy in reports released in late October.

mercury

Mercury Marine - manufacturer of outboard engines

Mr. Hilbert’s testimony highlighted the damaging effects that E15 has on marine engines, and noted that more testing is needed to further identify how E15 will affect engines and fuel systems under various conditions. Mercury’s testing showed significant problems with outboard engines, including severe damage to engine components and an increase in exhaust emissions, reinforcing the recreational yachting industry’s concern that E15 is not a suitable fuel for marine engines.

The Subcommittee heard testimony from representatives of the EPA, the American Petroleum Institute, Gevo, the Energy Biosciences Institute, the University of Wyoming Institute of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association. Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD), received David’s testimony favorably and the committee members had no questions for Mr. Hilbert after the research was presented. The testimony and accompanying  photos will be printed in the official record of the hearing.

NMMA President Thom Dammrich says, “We are pleased that Congress has shown an ongoing interest in this important research. NMMA is committed to continued research on E15 and its effects on marine engines. We hope that before any E15 is offered to the public, a thorough investigation will be completed so that boaters can safely fuel their vessels without incident now, and in the future.”

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