American Superyacht Forum: Technical/Innovation Presentations
Day Two of the American Superyacht Forum 2011 was composed of a variety of panels and speakers all concerned with the day’s title: ‘The Investment & Industry Plan’. Among these were five Technical/Innovation Presentations, with each speaker competing to win a $2000 marketing voucher to be redeemed with The Yacht Report Group.…
Day Two of the American Superyacht Forum 2011 was composed of a variety of panels and speakers all concerned with the day’s title: ‘The Investment & Industry Plan’. Among these were five Technical/Innovation Presentations, with each speaker competing to win a $2000 marketing voucher to be redeemed with The Yacht Report Group. The five companies represented were MarQuip, Megafend, Sea Tel, PURE Marine Solutions and Seakeeper, and each provided an in-depth insight into the rapid technological advancements of the superyacht industry.
Superyacht Events would like to say a big CONGRATULATIONS! to presenter John Kermet and his company Seakeeper, who scooped the prize as voted for by the audience. Further details of each presentation are outlined below.
Maurice Smit – MarQuip
First up was Maurice Smit, who gave a clear insight into MarQuip’s back-pressure controlled and noise reduced exhaust systems. These new exhaust systems, which Smit described as “the most green exhaust system that you can get,” have significantly reduced onboard noise due to the use of silencers. The video shown at the end of the presentation allowed the audience to hear, or rather not hear, the result. The silencer itself, however, does not make up the system; it must include back-pressure. MarQuip guarantees the back-pressure by the use of cowls, or ‘scoops.’ The cowl, which has been tested by MarQuip repeatedly to optimise performance, makes use of the underwater exhaust and essentially, creates underwater pressure. Smit then explained the necessity of maintaining a cool temperature, for which a nozzle is used, and having made over 700-800 systems using this technology, MarQuip “know how it performs.” Furthermore, the Refit Magic service allows the yacht to stay in the water during the installation of this silencer system, which is both time and cost effective. The presentation drew to a close with Smit articulating the need to be realistic about timeframes and cost to save time and money, ending on MarQuip’s emphasis on the importance of client satisfaction.
Thomas Rowe – Megafend
Next came Thomas Rowe, who presented a variety of Megafend’s new items. Rowe described Megafend as “a manufacturer of high quality mooring solutions” and showed that their three decades of experience are more than enough to introduce exciting new items to the industry. They have developed a line of carbon fibre products that are lighter, maintenance free, and are just as strong as any other application. Included in this line is the carbon fibre boat hook that comes with 316 stainless steel accessories, and is custom made and designed to each application. The hypalon covered, close-cell film fendering system of the new carbon fibre boarding platform provides a safe and easy boarding scenario, with the customer’s choice of decking for non-skid surfaces. Rowe also introduced Megafend’s new HDI inflatable fender, cap construction (using multiple layers to prevent leakage), and its maintenance-free leather (the only product of this kind in the industry). Megafend’s new balls took the limelight, however. Similar to the Polyform A5 and A7 sizes, they bring the benefits of an inflatable PVC fender. At extremely competitive prices, they are 20 per cent of the weight of a typical Polyform scenario and can be stored in 50 per cent of the space. In just a short ten minute slot, Megafend displayed an impressive variety of new and innovative products.
Atul Chawla – Sea Tel
Third up was Atul Chawla from Sea Tel, who spoke about the “evolutionary change” it was bringing to the maritime market. Chawla explained this change as “making sure the zeros and ones from the satellite are getting to the ship.” The technology is composed of three components: reflector and feed, software and hardware, and electronics. Alongside these components is Sea Tel’s marine stabilised pedestal, which ensures the reflector is always looking at the satellite. A video showed the testing of this product to the highest maritime specifications possible, and as a result, all the technology available on land, like Broadband and Sky, is available at sea. Chawla then explained Sea Tel’s QOR technology, which is essentially two octagonal reflectors positioned at 90 degrees to each other, and instead of one reflector on the pedestal, there are two under one dome. One reflector provides a KU band, and the other a sea band. Chawla ended with a short discussion of Sea Tel remote management (the satellite communication between teleport and ship). Working with Uplogix, explained Chawla, means that you can ‘talk’ to the network, so if the satellite link goes down, you can reset the network remotely. Sea Tel effectively displayed its progress in lessening the technological gap between land and the maritime industry.
Antony Papageorgiou – PURE Marine Solutions
Fourth was Antony Papageorgiou from PURE Marine Solutions, based in Miami. The company has already worked with the Hilton and Hyatt hotels in the area of air purification, but Papageorgiou noted that on a yacht ,odours can be more problematic; for example, bilge, diesel, off gassing, all of which are particular problems for those who suffer from respiratory sensitivities. PURE Marine Solutions has come up with an FDA (The Food and Drug Administration) listed medical device, used by US Navy ships and the US Army, that reads zero when a particle counter is placed on top. The process involves an initial seven to eight hour conversion of the yacht cabin, which is followed by a twice-annual touch-up. After the initial conversion, a one-time shock treatment is administered, which is followed by the Pure Shield, an FDA listed material, which uses carbon bonding to take care of microorganisms that might remain on the surface, and this lasts for two years. Then the purifier is plugged in and “eliminates 100 per cent of all microorganisms.” This whole process produces a germ-killing zone, which produces no ozone whatsoever and according to Papageorgiou, “takes the yacht experience to the next level.”
John Kermet – Seakeeper
The final speaker of the afternoon was John Kermet, who presented Seakeeper’s gyro-dynamic solution to boat roll. Kermet explained that targeting boat roll would allow both a more comfortable environment for families and crew, and the ability to use the boat in situations and environments that they normally couldn’t. Kermet outlined the three principles of a gyro: the spinning rotation of the flywheel, its diameter, and its weight. Previous attempts at lessening boat roll have made the flywheel light, but Seakeeper has focused on the speed of revolution, by encapsulating the gyro inside a vacuum with NASA technology, which removes the problem of air friction completely. Seakeeper has also made the gyroscope, typically a dumb system, active, and as a result it can be used in all sea conditions, with each unit consuming a maximum of three kilowatts. Motion sensors optimise the angular momentum by telling the gyro how fast it can precess, and over what period of time. The gyro can be located anywhere inside the hull where the stringer system can be accessed, and putting nothing outside the boat or in the water means no added weight surface to the hull. Thirty-five per cent of the gyros sold have been to refits of existing boats, because, according to Kermet, “they’re actually being again sellable only with stability being added.” Seakeeper has evidently highlighted a necessity in the yachting industry, and the audience noted this, voting Seakeeper the winner of the $2000 marketing voucher.
LT
Related Links
MarQuip Profile | MarQuip Website
Megafend Profile | Megafend Website
Sea Tel Profile | Sea Tel Website
PURE Marine Solutions Website
Seakeeper Profile | Seakeeper Website
Superyacht Events would like to say a big CONGRATULATIONS! to presenter John Kermet and his company Seakeeper, who scooped the prize as voted for by the audience. Further details of each presentation are outlined below.
Maurice Smit – MarQuip
First up was Maurice Smit, who gave a clear insight into MarQuip’s back-pressure controlled and noise reduced exhaust systems. These new exhaust systems, which Smit described as “the most green exhaust system that you can get,” have significantly reduced onboard noise due to the use of silencers. The video shown at the end of the presentation allowed the audience to hear, or rather not hear, the result. The silencer itself, however, does not make up the system; it must include back-pressure. MarQuip guarantees the back-pressure by the use of cowls, or ‘scoops.’ The cowl, which has been tested by MarQuip repeatedly to optimise performance, makes use of the underwater exhaust and essentially, creates underwater pressure. Smit then explained the necessity of maintaining a cool temperature, for which a nozzle is used, and having made over 700-800 systems using this technology, MarQuip “know how it performs.” Furthermore, the Refit Magic service allows the yacht to stay in the water during the installation of this silencer system, which is both time and cost effective. The presentation drew to a close with Smit articulating the need to be realistic about timeframes and cost to save time and money, ending on MarQuip’s emphasis on the importance of client satisfaction.
Thomas Rowe – Megafend
Next came Thomas Rowe, who presented a variety of Megafend’s new items. Rowe described Megafend as “a manufacturer of high quality mooring solutions” and showed that their three decades of experience are more than enough to introduce exciting new items to the industry. They have developed a line of carbon fibre products that are lighter, maintenance free, and are just as strong as any other application. Included in this line is the carbon fibre boat hook that comes with 316 stainless steel accessories, and is custom made and designed to each application. The hypalon covered, close-cell film fendering system of the new carbon fibre boarding platform provides a safe and easy boarding scenario, with the customer’s choice of decking for non-skid surfaces. Rowe also introduced Megafend’s new HDI inflatable fender, cap construction (using multiple layers to prevent leakage), and its maintenance-free leather (the only product of this kind in the industry). Megafend’s new balls took the limelight, however. Similar to the Polyform A5 and A7 sizes, they bring the benefits of an inflatable PVC fender. At extremely competitive prices, they are 20 per cent of the weight of a typical Polyform scenario and can be stored in 50 per cent of the space. In just a short ten minute slot, Megafend displayed an impressive variety of new and innovative products.
Atul Chawla – Sea Tel
Third up was Atul Chawla from Sea Tel, who spoke about the “evolutionary change” it was bringing to the maritime market. Chawla explained this change as “making sure the zeros and ones from the satellite are getting to the ship.” The technology is composed of three components: reflector and feed, software and hardware, and electronics. Alongside these components is Sea Tel’s marine stabilised pedestal, which ensures the reflector is always looking at the satellite. A video showed the testing of this product to the highest maritime specifications possible, and as a result, all the technology available on land, like Broadband and Sky, is available at sea. Chawla then explained Sea Tel’s QOR technology, which is essentially two octagonal reflectors positioned at 90 degrees to each other, and instead of one reflector on the pedestal, there are two under one dome. One reflector provides a KU band, and the other a sea band. Chawla ended with a short discussion of Sea Tel remote management (the satellite communication between teleport and ship). Working with Uplogix, explained Chawla, means that you can ‘talk’ to the network, so if the satellite link goes down, you can reset the network remotely. Sea Tel effectively displayed its progress in lessening the technological gap between land and the maritime industry.
Antony Papageorgiou – PURE Marine Solutions
Fourth was Antony Papageorgiou from PURE Marine Solutions, based in Miami. The company has already worked with the Hilton and Hyatt hotels in the area of air purification, but Papageorgiou noted that on a yacht ,odours can be more problematic; for example, bilge, diesel, off gassing, all of which are particular problems for those who suffer from respiratory sensitivities. PURE Marine Solutions has come up with an FDA (The Food and Drug Administration) listed medical device, used by US Navy ships and the US Army, that reads zero when a particle counter is placed on top. The process involves an initial seven to eight hour conversion of the yacht cabin, which is followed by a twice-annual touch-up. After the initial conversion, a one-time shock treatment is administered, which is followed by the Pure Shield, an FDA listed material, which uses carbon bonding to take care of microorganisms that might remain on the surface, and this lasts for two years. Then the purifier is plugged in and “eliminates 100 per cent of all microorganisms.” This whole process produces a germ-killing zone, which produces no ozone whatsoever and according to Papageorgiou, “takes the yacht experience to the next level.”
John Kermet – Seakeeper
The final speaker of the afternoon was John Kermet, who presented Seakeeper’s gyro-dynamic solution to boat roll. Kermet explained that targeting boat roll would allow both a more comfortable environment for families and crew, and the ability to use the boat in situations and environments that they normally couldn’t. Kermet outlined the three principles of a gyro: the spinning rotation of the flywheel, its diameter, and its weight. Previous attempts at lessening boat roll have made the flywheel light, but Seakeeper has focused on the speed of revolution, by encapsulating the gyro inside a vacuum with NASA technology, which removes the problem of air friction completely. Seakeeper has also made the gyroscope, typically a dumb system, active, and as a result it can be used in all sea conditions, with each unit consuming a maximum of three kilowatts. Motion sensors optimise the angular momentum by telling the gyro how fast it can precess, and over what period of time. The gyro can be located anywhere inside the hull where the stringer system can be accessed, and putting nothing outside the boat or in the water means no added weight surface to the hull. Thirty-five per cent of the gyros sold have been to refits of existing boats, because, according to Kermet, “they’re actually being again sellable only with stability being added.” Seakeeper has evidently highlighted a necessity in the yachting industry, and the audience noted this, voting Seakeeper the winner of the $2000 marketing voucher.
LT
Related Links
MarQuip Profile | MarQuip Website
Megafend Profile | Megafend Website
Sea Tel Profile | Sea Tel Website
PURE Marine Solutions Website
Seakeeper Profile | Seakeeper Website
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