METS lives up to its name as the biggest Marine Trade Show in the World
by Peter Rendle, Sail-World.com 16 Nov 2018 12:05 NZDT
15 November 2018
METSTRADE 2018 © Mark Jardine
The biggest Marine Trade Show in the world, METS, ended yesterday in Amsterdam and each year there is always a mass of product releases to the marine industry.
This year Hervé Gastinel, Group CEO of the €1.28bn turnover international boatbuilder, Groupe Beneteau, took the opportunity to emphasise the critical importance of innovation in product development, customer service and manufacturing transformation. Gastinel explained how he had introduced a 'Transform to Perform' programme focusing the 10 boatbuilders in Groupe Benstead's portfolio on innovation across these key areas. The group has spent €60m - €80m annually on new product development in the past decade and 88 models out of a total fleet of 200 have been launched in the past three years.
No trade show gets by without awards and METS is no exception. The DAME Awards are a feature of the show and Mark Jardine, Sail-World Managing Editor, caught up with Grant Fox, Marketing Manager at Scanstrut, who were nominated at this year's show for a DAME award, and received a special mention in the design category for their wireless charging products.
Among the more impressive product launches at the show were Yanmar Marine International's full line-up of 4LV sterndrive marine diesel engine models to complete its highly-acclaimed 4LV series of ultra-refined common rail (CR) engines. The new 150 to 250 mhp five-engine range combines with the Yanmar ZT370 sterndrive to offer exceptional acceleration, fuel efficiency, remarkably quiet operation, and low vibration to suit a wide variety of vessels.
Another big-ticket item to be announced to the industry was from VETUS. They launched an innovative and even more powerful version of its award-winning BOW PRO thruster, the BOW PRO Boosted, at METSTRADE. Incorporating an in-house-engineered intelligent motor controller, the new upgraded fully-proportional brushless models deliver all the remarkable features of the BOW PRO series with an added boost function to make life easier for even more boat owners.
As the Super Yacht Industry grows it appears that Australia has made a huge impression on this segment of the industry. Superyacht Australia have announced that two Australians were recently recognised at the 29th International Superyacht Society (ISS) Design & Leadership Gala during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, for their efforts on the multi-award winning 110m Oceanco built "Jubilee". The Yacht was presented with the award for Best Power Yacht 65m+ as well as the PYC Recognition award of 2018. Sam Sorgiovanni of Sorgiovanni Designs, based in Western Australia, designed its spacious and rich interior, which offers accommodation for up to 30 guests in 15 staterooms including an entirely private owner's deck.
Back in Australia, the Marinas19 International Conference and Trade Exhibition 27-28 May 2019 is taking shape with keynote speakers secured and associated activities locked in. Marina Industries Association (MIA) Chairman Andrew Chapman said "the foundations are now in place for a most successful international event."
Addressing the topic of marinas and their key role in servicing and profiting from the emerging boat sharing economy will be a panel of proven boat share operators. The panel will include Phillip Pitt, MD of Pacific Boating in Australia and John Giglio, President and CEO of Freedom Boat Club which is the largest private share boating club in North America. The Club has over 20,000 members in 165 marinas across the US and Canada with a fleet of more than 2,000 boats.
The sailing industry has provided news of two new Bavaria Yachts arriving in Australia confirming the continued production of this iconic German brand. Ensign Ship Brokers at The Boat Works, Coomera has welcomed two new model Bavaria sailing yachts ahead of commissioning for clients, with delivery in time for summer sailing – the first of several Australia-bound in the next few months.
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Aveagooden!
Peter Rendle, Sail-World Australia