ClassNK publishes guidelines for use of drones in class surveys

ClassNK publishes guidelines for use of drones in class surveys
ClassNK publishes guidelines for use of drones in class surveys

Leading classification society ClassNK has released its Guidelines for Use of Drones in Class Surveys. These guidelines incorporate the applicable range and procedures for use of drones in class surveys, the technical considerations for safe operation and the requirements for drone service suppliers.

Because drone-related technologies are improving at an extremely rapid pace, application in diverse fields is increasingly expected. In the maritime industry as well, efforts aimed at utilization in the field of inspections and surveys are being carried out.

At the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), discussions on the use of Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) including drones in class surveys are already underway, and IACS Rec. 42 (Guidelines for Use of Remote Inspection Technics for Surveys) was revised in June of 2016. A revision of the related IACS Unified Requirements has also been completed and will take effect in January 2019.

On the other hand, when flying a drone in places such as Continue reading “ClassNK publishes guidelines for use of drones in class surveys”

DMS Holland to start developing stabilisers for fast-planing yachts

DMS Holland to start developing stabilisers for fast-planing yachts
DMS Holland to start developing stabilisers for fast-planing yachts

Following the successful development and subsequent launch to market of the electric roll damping system for yachts up to 30 metres, the MagnusMaster, DMS Holland has now started, in cooperation with Brabant Engineering, the development of a roll damping system for fast-planing yachts up to 30 metres.

This new AntiRoll damping system, like the MagnusMaster, will be produced as a standard-series stabiliser. Until now, AntiRoll has only been developed as a ‘custom build’ for super- and mega yachts. DMS Holland will be taking this patented dual-axis fin stabiliser and using it to form the basis for their new system. The fundamental concept behind AntiRoll remains the same, namely high-aspect fins that rotate whilst sailing and flap whilst the yacht is at anchor. It is stabilisation at fast speed that will form the extra addition and make it a 3-in-1 stabiliser. “How this will actually be achieved we are keeping to ourselves for a little while longer yet,” says Patrick Noor, DMS Holland’s co-owner responsible for sales & marketing.

Arnold van Aken, inventor of the dual-axis fin stabilisation AntiRoll system and co-owner / Technical Director of DMS Holland explains: “For years we have been Continue reading “DMS Holland to start developing stabilisers for fast-planing yachts”

Bavaria Yachts celebrates 40 years of manufacture

Bavaria Cruiser 45
Bavaria Cruiser 45

Bavaria Yachts is celebrating 40 years of business and an operational model that has most recently produced the Bavaria C65.

Founder Winfried Herrmann saw a gap in the market for a new domestic boatbuilding company and alongside his business partner Georg Haubner, with whom he ran window production company ‘HeHa’, publicly launched the first Bavaria yacht models.

In 1979 the company acquired its first production facility and subsequently appointed designer Axel Monhaupt. In the 1980s, yacht and charter agent Josef Meltl joined Bavaria Yachts, adding expertise that was instrumental to the company’s successful charter market entry.

From 1992, Slovenian J&J Design designed the new models, while in 2000, the company’s first motorboats were launched. 2014 saw Bavaria Yachts enter the multihull market with the purchase of the French catamaran manufacturer Nautitech and in 2015, the Bavaria Nautitech 46 Open was launched.

Expert design has been a constant focus of the Continue reading “Bavaria Yachts celebrates 40 years of manufacture”

Gori launches a three-blade propeller for sailing boats

Gori launches a three blade propeller for sailing boats
Gori launches a three blade propeller for sailing boats

Danish propeller manufacturer, Gori, has launched a new three-blade propeller for sailing boats. The new folding propeller is an evolution of the original three-blade version they introduced in 1994 but lacks the ‘overdrive’ function.

The ‘overdrive’ function allowed the helmsman to choose the propeller pitch and profile in the water while sailing forward, by regulating the yacht’s shift and throttle control. It would then operate the same in reverse by first folding closed through the movement before opening again.

This new three-blade propeller has the same features as the standard propeller including the 360o pivot when switching between forward and reverse with the same pitch in either direction for improved stopping.

The original three-blade propeller had a very low Continue reading “Gori launches a three-blade propeller for sailing boats”

Ferretti Group announces the launch of its first Riva 110 Dolcevita yacht

Ferretti Group has launched the first model in its new Riva 110 Dolcevita class
Ferretti Group has launched the first model in its new Riva 110 Dolcevita class

The all-GRP superyacht features styling by long-term collaborator Officina Italiana Design, including chrome inserts and extensive glazing that surrounds the main deck owner’s cabin and raised pilothouse. A focus on al fresco living is evident throughout the Riva 110 Dolcevita, from the foredeck seating area, complete with spa pool, to the aft sunlounging area on the upper deck.

She has been fitted with Ferretti’s unique submersible transom, which allows for quick tender launches as well as direct access to the sea. The system features a garage door that can fold down to create a bathing platform before lowering into the water when needed.

Continue reading “Ferretti Group announces the launch of its first Riva 110 Dolcevita yacht”

Trimble launches marine positioning GNSS receiver

Trimble launches marine positioning GNSS receiver
Trimble launches marine positioning GNSS receiver

Trimble has announced the MPS865 marine positioning system multi-frequency and multi-application GNSS receiver.

The Trimble MPS865 is a versatile and rugged GNSS positioning and heading solution for a wide variety of real-time and post-processing applications for marine survey.

It features integrated communications options such as Wi-Fi, UHF radio, cellular modem for internet connectivity, Bluetooth and MSS satellite-based correction channels.

The patented GNSS-centric technology uses all available GNSS signals to deliver reliable positions in real time. The GNSS receiver provides for the connection of two GNSS antennas for precise heading.

With a modular form factor, the MPS865 is flexible and can be used as an integrated on-board rover receiver, a base station, or a continuously operating reference station. The built-in precise heading feature ensures the receiver is of minimal size, consumes less power, and has less cabling which are all benefits when on-board space it at a premium.

The MPS865 adds new features to improve usability in a Continue reading “Trimble launches marine positioning GNSS receiver”

Inaugural Dubai Superyacht Summit sees challenges for UAE as a yachting destination

Inaugural Dubai Superyacht Summit sees challenges for UAE as a yachting destination
Inaugural Dubai Superyacht Summit sees challenges for UAE as a yachting destination

The first Dubai International Superyacht Summit saw global industry leaders come together to discuss the opportunities and challenges for the emergence of an “Emirati Riviera” as a superyacht hub and a winter yachting destination.

The summit, which took place between 28th February and 1st March 2018, led to local industry leaders and visitors almost unanimous in acknowledging the vast potential of the region to become a yachting destination and in stressing the improvements needed to realise this potential.

It was noted that to achieve its goals, massive on-going investment is required in infrastructure to allow for the development of the region. A revision of local regulations was also called for to simplify the Continue reading “Inaugural Dubai Superyacht Summit sees challenges for UAE as a yachting destination”

Britain’s oldest boat builder confirms its intention to stop building boats

Britain’s oldest boat builder, dating back to 1898, Broom, is to discontinue boatbuilding and instead restructure its operations into a leading leisure operator on the Southern Norfolk Broads.

The move follows low customer demand, overseas competition and rising costs explained group sales manager Greg Houlston, all of which have changed the marketplace significantly.

“This has led to a strategic decision to focus on the growing leisure part of their operations and to discontinue boat building,” he said.

Continue reading “Britain’s oldest boat builder confirms its intention to stop building boats”

Oyster is snapped up by Richard Hadida Yachting

Richard Hadida Yachting is confirmed as the new owners of Oyster
Richard Hadida Yachting is confirmed as the new owners of Oyster

UK software entrepreneur Richard Hadida has been confirmed as the new owner of Oyster. The deal – brokered by administrators KPMG – covers the assets and business of Oyster Marine Ltd and the assets of Oyster Marine Holdings Ltd, including its shareholdings in companies within the Oyster Group

The sale, to a new company, Richard Hadida Yachting, will secure the employment of the retained staff at Oyster’s Southampton and Wroxham sites.

Mr Hadida has sailed an Oyster yacht for several years and says he has fallen in love with the yachts themselves, the events and the Oyster Continue reading “Oyster is snapped up by Richard Hadida Yachting”

Possible new cure for diesel bug

Possible new cure for diesel bug
Possible new cure for diesel bug

A new product that removes water from the bottom of diesel tanks is expected to end all diesel bug problems.

The Diesel Dipper is a self-contained system independent of the engine. Fitted with a 12-volt pump, it is designed to suck water from the floor/bottom of a fuel tank below the fuel suction and by doing so, makers Marine 16 say it eliminates or prevents diesel bug and engine failures.

Marine 16 said: “Water and sludge lying on the bottom of the tank is drawn up into a ‘tank separator’ where it separates from the diesel and collects on the bottom. This accumulated water and sludge is then periodically drained off into a container.”

The clean diesel exits the top of the separator and flows through a Continue reading “Possible new cure for diesel bug”

Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping

Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping
Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping

DNV GL has announced a joint partnership to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping. The class society’s partners in the effort include flag states, research institutions, battery and propulsion suppliers, fire system manufacturers, shipowners, vessel operators and yards. DNV GL says that the hope is to identify improvements not just for the batteries themselves, but for the associated systems, procedures, and approval processes.

“We put a great deal of effort into ensuring the safety of these new alternative systems, but the cost of the present safety and approval methodology is cumbersome. This collaborative effort gives a chance for an even greater level of safety,” said Rasmus Nielsen, a naval architect and officer at project partner Scandlines.

The project’s deliverable’s are focused on safety. Tasks include the development of Continue reading “Partnership formed to study the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in shipping”

Storm Emma wreaks havoc on Holyhead Marina

Storm Emma wreaks havoc on Holyhead Marina
Storm Emma wreaks havoc on Holyhead Marina

Estimates suggest that as many as 80 boats were destroyed and pontoons washed away at Holyhead Marina as Storm Emma hit the north Welsh coastline with violence.

The RNLI said it had to launch its own inshore lifeboat just to get a crew to its larger vessel in Holyhead in Thursday night’s force 12 gale.

“There is considerable damage and disruption at the marina, so, for now, we will stay berthed within the inner harbour, ready to respond – slower than usual, but able – to a shout,” said the RNLI team.

Continue reading “Storm Emma wreaks havoc on Holyhead Marina”

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