Technology Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

New oceanographic data in ship-routing trial for ships and superyachts to improve routing efficiency

November 02, 2011

New data that enables ships and superyachts to improve their routing efficiency is being trialled with a major cruise line company. The data, provided by oceanographic data specialist Tidetech, will allow captains and deck officers to route their vessels more efficiently, saving time, fuel and money while reducing environmental impact.

Tidetechs new oceanographic data in ship-routing trial for ships and superyachts to improve routing efficiency

Tidetechs new oceanographic data in ship-routing trial for ships and superyachts to improve routing efficiency

The scientific data can be integrated with onboard navigation systems and provides an accurate feed of global ocean currents, sea surface temperatures and wave forecasts.

Tidetech’s managing director Penny Haire said the data could potentially save shipping companies and superyacht owners thousands of dollars in fuel.

“Ocean currents and trade winds have been relied upon for hundreds of years in trade shipping,” Ms Haire said.

“Previously data was based on estimates and historical information, providing an average ocean current estimate for a given month.

“Our oceanographic scientists evaluate data from multiple sources including satellites, government agencies and observation (among many others) to establish the exact location of constantly moving currents.

“The combination of applied oceanography and meteorology can result in large bunker cost savings and in turn will help ships meet their environmental obligations.”

Tidetech’s scientific team is made up of the world foremost oceanographic experts with over 60 years combined experience at the UK’s Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory (now National Oceanography Centre). The team also includes navigators and specialists in sensor networks and data management.

“The combination of scientists and data developers means we can choose the best information available and adapt it to fit into onboard systems,” Ms Haire said.

“We’re currently running a live trial aboard several cruise liners and should have definitive results by the end of the year.”

Tidetech also supplies tactical oceanographic data to sailing competitors and is a technical supplier to the 34th America’s Cup and the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race.

Tidetech will be exhibiting at the upcoming METS trade show, 15-17 November, Amsterdam.

Steve Jobs’s iYacht – A luxury Feadship superyacht

November 02, 2011

Steve Jobs, the late American inventor, businessman and co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Apple Inc was reportedly working on designing a luxury superyacht with the Dutch superyacht builder Feadship before his death that we have dubbed the iYacht.

News of the superyacht designed by Apples’ Steve Jobs was mentioned in the first official biography of Steve Jobs written by Walter Isaacson which was published 19 days after his death on Monday, October 24 2011. Walter Isaacson began writing his book back in 2009 and was privy to many details of the late Steve Job’s life.

Feadship Breathe Superyacht Concept - The exterior profile of Breathe radiates a sense of peace and dispenses with all unnecessary design elements

Feadship Breathe Superyacht Concept - The exterior profile of Breathe radiates a sense of peace and dispenses with all unnecessary design elements

One chapter of the biography describes how Steve Jobs, who was not known for ostentatious displays of his wealth, began designing a luxury superyacht in 2009. With his characteristic and legendary attention to detail, he would have been focused on every detail of its design and form. The megayacht is said to have a very minimalist and sleek design with a main feature of the yacht being 40ft long glass walls. The Steve Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson describes how Steve Jobs was working with the luxury superyacht builder Feadship who is based in the Netherlands.

Feadship, who protect their client’s privacy, has chosen not to comment on the issue. “Sometimes, word gets out about one of our yachts. We often build for captains of industry, royalty and other leading individuals. Understandably, our clients value their privacy greatly and consequently we never discuss our owners’ identity. We choose not to comment.”

Many are speculating about what the superyacht design by Steve Jobs would look like, with some suggesting a modern design like Feadship’s Breathe motor yacht concept may be the closest resemblance, or at least a starting point.

The Breathe Concept by Feadship is a ‘Future Concept’ that was first unveiled at the 2010 Monaco Yacht Show. The revolutionary Breathe yacht design used the science of biomimicry as a starting point, imitating some of nature’s finest ideas in superyacht form for the very first time. Read more about the superyacht concept Breathe here.

Other ‘Future Concepts’ by Feadship include Aeon, Breathem C-stream, F-stream, and X-stream

Below is a gallery of luxury images taken from the Feadship Yachts currently in charter

INEVITABLE - Saloon
INEVITABLE - Saloon
MAJOR WAGER - Layout
MAJOR WAGER - Layout
toys 8
toys 8
Yacht Troyanda - Master Suite
Yacht Troyanda - Master Suite
Blue Moon - Aft View
Blue Moon - Aft View
Northern Light Layout
Northern Light Layout

There are more details about Feadship here.

Smart Mooring System by HanseYachts

October 31, 2011

HanseYachts presents its new Smart Mooring System (SMS), based on the coordination of the bow and stern thrusters and the main drive. Sailing yachts Hanse 445 and  496 have been chosen to be the first to profit from this brand-new SMS joystick-based manoeuvring system, as from the start of the 2011-12 model year. This system has been developed in-house, collaborating with partners from the industry.

hanse_logo

Sailing Yacht Hanse 445

The decision by HanseYachts to develop this remarkable manoeuvring support system was based on the results of a scientific study into the topic of “Stress when sailing”. One of its findings was that manoeuvring operations in particular, such as docking and undocking, placed helmspersons under high levels of stress. The findings also showed that larger yachts exceeding 12 metres in length were often helmed by small crews – married couples in many cases. Such yachts are also increasingly being helmed by less experienced persons who find themselves out of their depth when manoeuvring their yacht. This often leads to damage in adverse weather conditions in narrow, busy harbours.

Sailing Yacht Hanse 445

Sailing Yacht Hanse 445

The field tests for the study were conducted with a Hanse 430 sailing yacht provided by HanseYachts.

One of the key findings was that an integrated manoeuvring support system contributes to safety and helps to reduce stress levels on board. This was the impetus for us to develop a system that tackles precisely this issue.

However, hanseYachts wanted to develop a system that is reliable, easy to install in our yachts and, above all, consists of standard components, to enable our customers to make use of service infrastructure around the globe. It was also important for the system to be as intuitive and easy to use as possible. The entire development process, from the initial stages right through to readiness for series production, took 18 months.

Three system-components, sideways pushing bow- and sternthrusters and the main drive with forward and reverse thrust, are united in a joystick control. Of course, all elements are as well independently operable.

To Enable / Disable the SMS system is on the joystick itself, the operation is signaled by colored LEDs.

Without active use of the steering wheel, the engine control (gear / throttle) and bow and sternthruster, the yacht is maneuvered with the joystick alone.

All movements (full rotations, bow or stern thrust, transverse travel, each also with an additional advance or reverse thrust) are generated by the joystick. The rudder is detected, the normal motor control is disabled.

HanseYachts´ models in which the installation of a bow- and sternthruster are provided, can be equipped later with the SMS system. Requirement is the use of a Volvo engine D2 – 75 (53 kW/72 hp) or smaller.

HanseYachts will present this system at boat shows in Hamburg, Barcelona, Paris and Düsseldorf.

Below is an image gallery for Hanse charter yachts.

Hanse Charter Yacht Images

HANSE EXPLORER - Antarctica Expedition
HANSE EXPLORER - Antarctica Expedition
HANSE EXPLORER - A True Adventure Yacht
HANSE EXPLORER - A True Adventure Yacht
HANSE EXPLORER - An Adventure Yacht
HANSE EXPLORER - An Adventure Yacht
HANSE EXPLORER - Antarctica on the Bow
HANSE EXPLORER - Antarctica on the Bow
HANSE EXPLORER - Artic Polar Bears
HANSE EXPLORER - Artic Polar Bears
HANSE EXPLORER - Main
HANSE EXPLORER - Main
More: Hanse Image Gallery

Aquatic AV Digital Media Locker

October 28, 2011

The new Digital Media Locker from marine audio systems manufacturer Aquatic AV keeps any digital music-playing device clean and dry on board and permits the user to remotely select and play music up to 40 feet away. The Aquatic AV Digital Media Locker£ has been nominated for METS 2011 DAME Award in the Electronics category.

Aquatic AV Digital Media Locker£

Aquatic AV Digital Media Locker£

IP65 rated for use in wet and dusty environments, the Digital Media Locker has a built-in amplifier (72×4 @ 2 ohms, 47×4 @ 4 ohms) and pre-amp outputs to connect external amplifiers. A radio frequency two-way remote controls music functions while the player stays dry inside the locker. Flush mounts easily. Compatible with iPod, MP3, US and Euro FM radios.

2011 Neptune Award Marketing Innovation winner Jester Communications

October 28, 2011

Jester Communications (Jestercom), a maritime industry web-based marketing solutions company won the 2011 Neptune Award Marketing Innovation category for its Global iPad Dealer Application (App) for yachtbuilders.

Jester new Global iPad Dealer Application

Jester new Global iPad Dealer Application

Marine Marketers of America (MMA) presented Jestercom the award during the association’s co-produced luncheon with Boating Writers International held earlier today in the Grandview room of the Bahia Mar Resort during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Jestercom first developed the award-winning iPad app earlier this year for Beneteau USA, a premier sailing yacht builder in America.

The iPad app includes a suite of sales tools and information, incorporating brochures, spec sheets, sea trial reports, videos, virtual tours, dealer information, equipment lists, upgrade options, press releases and articles, a virtual boat configurator, competitive analyses and links to learning resources.

“This award is a great honor and a strong validation of our product,” said Jared Jester, founder and president of Jestercom. “The iPad app serves as a virtual extension of the dealer’s sales team by turning a popular mobile device into a selling tool, enabling prospects to view featured models and company information right on the dealership showroom floor or while walking around a trade show.”

Thrane & Thrane SAILOR 90 Satellite TV World

October 28, 2011

Thrane & Thrane SAILOR 90 Satellite TV World has made the global maritime satellite TV become reality. It is an extensive internal development program bringing a number of ground-breaking upgrades for Thrane & Thrane’s already famous flagship satellite TV antenna that allows it to bring satellite TV reception for yachts sailing worldwide, without any reconfiguration or manual intervention. The new SAILOR 90 Satellite TV World will be available from 7th November 2011.

Thrane-Thrane

“A key challenge for maritime satellite TV has always been the differing signal and polarisation types used around the world. The various signals require different hardware and software, and the costs associated with this mean that generally, vessels sailing globally have not provided satellite TV for crew welfare purposes,” explains Casper Jensen, VP Maritime Business Unit, Thrane & Thrane.

Ku-band satellite TV transmits in either circular polarisation or linear polarisation. Circular polarisation is mainly used in the USA, parts of central & South America and parts of Asia. Linear polarisation is the standard in Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific. As the two polarisation forms are incompatible, an antenna has to be manually configured by substituting the feedhorn or LNB to receive either one or the other.

The new automatic depolarisor developed for the SAILOR 90 Satellite TV World allows automatic switching between polarisations in a matter of seconds. There is no loss of bandwidth or signal strength, or requirement to change parts, and the system does not use extra motors or actuators. This patent pending solution is fully automatic and users do not need to know whether the desired satellite is linear or circular, as this information is already in the antenna’s satellite library.

Another critical challenge that the upgraded SAILOR 90 Satellite TV World overcomes is the use of different broadcast standards in different regions. DVB-S and DVB-S2 are used in most parts of the world, however, there are regions where alternative standards such as ATSC and ISDB are used.

The SAILOR 90 Satellite TV World has a built-in DVB-S2 decoder so all SD and HD programming can be viewed. However, another brand new feature, called ‘Adjacent Lock Function’ enables the viewing of content from satellites using alternative broadcast standards. It enables the antenna to lock on to an adjacent DVB-S or DVB-S2 satellite and then turn ‘X’ degrees to receive a signal from the non DVB-S or DVB-S2 satellite, because it knows how the two satellites are placed relative to each other. This function essentially makes the antenna independent of broadcast standards and is a key factor for a global satellite TV solution.

Since the final destination of a vessel is not always known at the time of ordering or installation of a satellite TV system, the ability to easily change polarisation and work with various standards is highly desirable and is especially important for vessels sailing between Europe and USA.

“The SAILOR 90 Satellite TV World is great news for crews working on globally trading vessels,” continues Jensen. “Until now, they have not had the possibility of satellite TV due to the varying signal and polarisation types used by different satellites around the world. Now it is as simple as pushing a button.”

Dometic Marine presents its new Eskimo Ice EI540D Ice Cube at FLIBS

October 27, 2011

Dometic Marine, the world’s leading manufacturer of innovative marine products, introduces its new Eskimo Ice EI540D Ice Cube at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Making up to 540 lbs (245 kg) of freshwater flaked-ice per day, the cube-shaped EI540D permits ice to travel twice as far from the unit to the fish box as earlier models, providing a better location flexibility on-board.

Eskimo Ice EI540D Ice Cube by Dometic Marine

Eskimo Ice EI540D Ice Cube by Dometic Marine

By compacting the flaked-ice into cylindrical ice pellets, the ice can travel farther without melting and produces fewer clogs for continuous ice production. The unit’s small footprint makes it ideal for smaller fishing vessels with a big demand for ice. The EI540D Ice Cube is easily installed below deck or in the engine room and ice is pushed through a flexible insulated hose up to 30 ft (9.1 m) in length to virtually any fish box or cooler location on-board.

Measuring 16”x16”x16” (413mm x 413mm x 413mm) and boasting a compact design, the EI540D Ice Cube complements the existing range of Eskimo Ice machines, which includes the larger self-contained or split-gas EI600D models. The EI540D Ice Cube replaces the EI250D Ice Cube model, and produces 116% more ice than the earlier model in the same-sized cabinet.

“The Eskimo Ice range produces flaked-ice, which has a smooth and rounded shape that reduces the risk of damaging the flesh of the fish. It is delivered directly to the fish box from its location below deck. The new EI540D gives sport fishermen more flexibility as to where they can locate the ice machine because of the longer and narrower ice-delivery hose,” comments Bill Liptak, Product Engineer, Dometic Marine.

A smart digital monitor mounted remotely on the bridge or in a cabin is conveniently located for ease of operation without making a trip down to the engine room. It reports the system’s operational status and any alarms to skipper and crew at all times if problems with pressure, water and ice levels, or blockages are detected. If there are any problems they can be resolved and the system reset as soon as possible to preserve the on-going production and supply of ice.

Dometic Marine has supplied fishing yacht owners with crushed ice systems for more than 25 years and is presenting its extensive range of new products, including the Eskimo Ice EI540D Ice Cube, at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. For further information please visit the Dometic Marine team at Booths 1207-1208 in the Engine Tent and Booths 38-39 in the Entrance Tent.

US Department of Energy finds serious damage to marine engines from E15

October 27, 2011

In October 21, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy announced the results of two studies on the impacts of using fuel that is 15 percent ethanol in volume (E15) in marine engines. The studies were concentrated on engines produced by two marine engine manufactures, Volvo Penta and Mercury Marine, both members of National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

The National Marine Manufacturers Association

The National Marine Manufacturers Association

The long-awaited reports show significant problems with outboard, stern drive and inboard engines.  Results of the reports show severe damage to engine components and an increase in exhaust emissions, reinforcing the recreational boating industry’s concern that E15 is not a suitable fuel for marine engines.

Emissions and durability testing compared E15 fuel and fuel containing zero percent ethanol (E0) and examined exhaust emissions, exhaust gas temperature, torque, power, barometric pressure, air temperature, and fuel flow. Specifically, the report showed degraded emissions performance outside of engine certification limits as well as increased fuel consumption. In separate testing on engine durability, each tested engine showed deterioration, including two of the three outboard engines, with damages severe enough to prevent them from completing the test cycle. The E0 test engines did not exhibit any fuel related issues.

NMMA worked with its manufacturer members in securing the resources and facilitating the testing for these reports. NMMA supports further testing that will provide additional understanding about the negative effects of E15 on marine engines.

NMMA President Thom Dammrich says, “Current proposals by the ethanol industry to increase the amount of ethanol in gasoline should seriously concern all boaters and owners of other small engine equipment.  Although NMMA strongly supports renewable fuels as a means to reduce America’s dependence on foreign sources of oil and improve the environment, there is  growing evidence that ethanol is not the answer to America’s energy challenge.”

For more information, please read the full versions of the Emissions and Durability test  or the Fuel Endurance test from the Department of Energy. For questions  please contact Lauren Dunn at 202-280-6928 or ldunn@nmma.org.

Both Volvo Penta and Mercury Marine provided test engines as well as the testing facilities. The U.S. Department of Energy approved the final analysis of the results.

Northern Lights´ traditional engine room redefinition

October 27, 2011

The marine-diesel market innovator, Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI) is redefining the traditional engine room with a unique hybrid-marine solution, combining its high-performance Lugger propulsion engines with BAE Systems’ HybriDrive® Propulsion System. This series hybrid is the biggest success in the world, with over 3,500 applications already operating worldwide. The system profits from a Propulsion Control System (PCS) to efficiently transfer power produced from the electric generator for prompt use, or keeps it in the Energy Storage System (ESS) to offer clean, silent power without the engine, while the propulsion motor gives power to the prop. The system can be customized for a myriad of marine applications.

NorthernLightsLogo

“The entire package is designed to be clean, quiet and environmentally responsible,” said NLI vice president Mike Maynard. “Our hybrid-marine solution eliminates wet stacking and will reduce both energy waste and fuel costs.”

Because its world class components are fully scalable, the NLI hybrid-marine system provides far greater flexibility in engine room layout. It will run not only as a standard electric propulsion system, but can be configured into an auxiliary power kit to provide all of the ship’s service AC power without the waste and pollution associated with underloading. The hybrid system can even be outfitted for accessory power for modern yachts’ complex systems of thrusters and winches.

Components for the hybrid-marine system will be displayed at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, in booth 750 of the Yacht Designers’ Tent. The system can be configured for specific needs in the yacht and commercial markets, and the hybrid display and interactive video will demonstrate the capability and flexibility of this truly remarkable innovation.

NLI is renowned in the marine industry for providing reliable, durable and simple-to-use power and propulsion systems. Using BAE Systems’ HybriDrive Propulsion and integration capabilities we are proud to now offer a hybrid-marine solution superior to other systems currently on the market.

Founded in 1958, Northern Lights is a leading manufacturer of marine-diesel generators, Lugger propulsion engines and Technicold marine systems. The company’s products are distributed through a global sales and service network to over 40 countries.

Motor yacht Project Ganto: The First Electric Superyacht

October 27, 2011

The GANTO motor yacht Project is a 40m EcoYacht designed to have the lowest levels of environmental impact possible. The motor yacht GANTO Project will utilise advanced building materials with maximized recycling criteria, along with fluid dynamics studies and an environmentally sound management of the vessel, making this project the first of a new generation of unique and environmentally friendly vessels. The GANTO Project offers a technical and scientific platform to be used for different types of yachts, both sail and motor, from about 30 meters in length and above.

Motor yacht Project Ganto The First Electric Superyacht - by Floating life

Motor yacht Project Ganto The First Electric Superyacht - by Floating life

Equipped with all the “green” technologies known today, which means not only highly efficient rechargeable batteries, the yacht is also equipped with photovoltaic panels, wind generators, shaft generators, fuel cells, energy consumption monitoring and energy recovery, LED lighting, and the creation of environments with “home climate” technologies: a vessel that exceeds market expectations in terms of performance and energy consumption and reflects the values of respect for the environment and beauty, both in life and while sailing, ultimately ensuring well-being understood in its broadest sense, all in the most exclusive luxury.

Motor yacht Project Ganto The First Electric Superyacht - by Floating life

Motor yacht Project Ganto The First Electric Superyacht - by Floating life

Motor yacht Project Ganto The First Electric Superyacht - by Floating life (

Motor yacht Project Ganto The First Electric Superyacht - by Floating life (

Naval architecture and engineering for the GANTO Project was conceived by the Roberto Starkel studio in Trieste, and interior design and exterior styling is by Filippo Rossi. The propulsion technology is based on systems already employed by some cruise ships whereby a small diesel engine provides the initial power to turn over the electric motors. The full-electric main motors ensure that both vibrations and emissions are reduced to a minimum.

Starkel paid close attention to the hull’s hydrodynamic characteristics to provide an efficient, slick hull without penalising the volume of space onboard or the stability by reducing maximum beam.  It is also of utmost importance to limit the weight of the yacht’s structure, systems and interiors and thus overall displacement, the highest priority of this project.

Motor yacht Project Ganto The First Electric Superyacht - by Floating life

Motor yacht Project Ganto The First Electric Superyacht - by Floating life

The power systems are also designed to be modular so that upgrades can be applied as technology develops, including the use of fuel cells, without major structural alterations. Solar panels on the fly deck and aft main deck are designed to supplement power requirements.

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