Boatbuilding News 28.10.22 Feat. FLIBS, Kongsberg Maritime & Boatlife

📰 This week’s Boatbuilding News! 📰 

☀️ The marine industry is gathering in Florida, as the 63rd edition of the world’s largest in-water boat show takes place this week

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show provides a platform for more world and US debuts than any other boat show in the United States.

This year, organisers say FLIBS will showcase over 1,300 vessels, including 150 luxury yachts over 23 metres. Over 20 new vessels will make a world or national debut this week during the event.

“We are thrilled to kick off another fantastic event in Fort Lauderdale for our 63rd year. Last year’s boat show was an absolute blockbuster event, generating over $1 billion in economic output for the state of Florida and attracting over 100,000 attendees. Year after year, FLIBS has raised the bar for the marine industry, and we cannot wait to welcome back our incredible community.”

says Andrew Doole, president of US boat shows with Informa Markets, which produces FLIBS.

Despite a recent dip in new powerboat sales in the US, demand for boating products is at an all-time high, and FLIBS will be looking to capitalise on this boom. After the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, which swept through Florida last month, it is likely there will be increased interest in purchasing from local owners whose boats were damaged or destroyed.

Viareggio Superyachts’ 64-metre Atomic is set to be the largest boat on display this year. The yacht can accommodate 12 guests in six cabins and boasts interiors from Franck Darnet Design. There are anticipated debuts from brands including Axopar Boats, Northstar Boats, MJM Yachts, Lekker Boats, Islamorada Boatworks, Schaefer Yachts and Invincible Boats.

Princess Yachts will present the show premiere of the Princess V50 sports yacht, and showcase the flagship of the Princess range, the X95 super flybridge yacht. Completing the British boatbuilder’s seven-yacht display will be the Princess Y85, Y72, F55, F45 and the sporty S62.

Meanwhile, Sunseekere’s 88 Yacht and 90 Ocean will have their US debuts this week, with the boatbuilder represented by its US distributor, OneWater Yacht Group. Alongside these launches, Sunseeker will also showcase the Predator 65, Manhattan 55 and 65 Sport Yacht for the first time at the show, alongside the Manhattan 68.

🇸🇪 Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract with Holland Shipyards Group to provide electrification and control systems for electric ferries, on behalf of the Swedish Transport Administration.

Norwegian marine tech firm Kongsberg says the contract includes two vessels firm for delivery, with an option for two more.

To achieve the dual objectives of electrification and automation, Kongsberg Maritime will provide the ferries’ electrical systems, as well as a comprehensive control system suite, including energy management, navigation, and an all-new situational awareness system linked with automated manoeuvring.

Together with the general automation of all onboard systems and essential port equipment such as charging and mooring, Kongsberg Maritime will also deliver the technology for the remote monitoring and operation centre in Stockholm, and secure communication between ferries, ports, and the control centre. A simulator with 360-degree visuals from Kongsberg Digital is also part of the delivery, enabling the ferry company to train its crew in new operational procedures.

“We will deliver the ferries turn-key to Sweden, including shore charging and auto-mooring. These vessels mark a new step forward for Holland Shipyards Group and the ferry market in general,” 

says Marco Hoogendoorn, director of Holland Shipyards Groupe.

Swedish Road Ferries, part of the Swedish Transport Administration, has exclusive rights to operate ferries that connect the national road network.

“This development confirms our view that coastal traffic – and ferries in particular – will be the first ship types to adopt autonomous operations,” 

said Roger Trinterud, Kongsberg Maritime’s sales director.

The challenges in automating the operations of these ferries include the short routes and the presence of significant on-water traffic, including pleasure boats and occasional ice. According to Erik Froste, CEO of Swedish Road Ferries, these state-of-the-art ferries are good for the environment and increase safety at sea.

A 12-month test period is planned after delivery to further develop and fine-tune automated functionalities, and to demonstrate the ferries’ capabilities to Swedish authorities.

🙌 With less than four months until SBS BoatLife opens at NEC, Birmingham, numerous new exhibitors and partners have been coming on board in rapid succession.

Following last year’s success, organisers BoatLife Events say the rebook rate is extremely high for 2023.

Joining the line-up for the first time, RIB experts Cobra, Gala and Neptune are exhibiting their latest models.

SBS BoatLife has also confirmed that it will be supporting the Wetwheels Foundation as its chosen charity.

Founded by disabled yachtsman Geoff Holt MBE, Hampshire-based Wetwheels offers the opportunity for all disabled people to access the sea in a safe and rewarding way on board fully accessible, purpose-built powerboats.

“We are overwhelmed with the interest for the next show, both in terms of new exhibitors, but also current brands increasing in size. We have a big push to get all the space sold by the end of November so exhibitors can maximise on the marketing”.

says Richard Dove, director at BoatLife Events