Protector and New Zealand electric propulsion company, Naut, have partnered to develop the first fully electric Protector vessel, combining Protector’s internationally recognised hull design with Naut’s high-performance electric propulsion technology. The ‘ProtectorE 310 Chase’ (currently in production) will be every inch a Protector – featuring an advanced, ultra-capable hull, a smooth ride in all conditions, and tough but luxurious finishing. The only difference is the propulsion system (and the ‘ProtectorE powered by Naut’ branding). Naut’s Kaha, 100% electric outboard, provides zero emission, clean-green power. The company believe it may be the most powerful commercially available electric production outboard. Even at… Read More

Yamaha Motor New Zealand recently brought together staff, partners and volunteers for a rewarding Yamaha Day on Rotoroa Island, embracing this year’s theme of “Own the Moment, Take Action“ by combining teamwork, environmental stewardship and community spirit in one of the Hauraki Gulf’s most significant conservation sanctuaries. Travelling to the island aboard Auckland Sea Shuttles and a variety of Yamaha powered craft, participants exchanged their usual workplaces for walking boots and gloves, spending the day assisting with a range of conservation activities that help preserve the island’s unique natural environment. Working alongside the Rotoroa Island Trust team, Yamaha volunteers tackled… Read More

EV Maritime is proud to announce its appointment by leading Australian shipbuilder Echo Marine Group as electric propulsion systems integrator for five new battery-electric fast ferries being built for the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA). 24m Electric Fast Ferry for Public Transport Authority of Western Australia.Source: One2three Naval Architects & Echo Marine GroupThe five 24-metre high-speed vessels form part of the METRONET on Swan Ferry Service Expansion, the largest-ever expansion of Perth’s ferry network. Echo Marine Group was awarded the A$66 million contract to design and construct the fleet. Naval architecture is by acclaimed Australian firm One2three Naval… Read More

Tohatsu Corporation, a global leader in innovative marine outboard engines, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a new distributorship agreement with Power Equipment Pty Ltd, appointing the company as the exclusive distributor for Australia, New Zealand, and the wider Oceania region beginning, effective 1 July 2026. Mr. Isami Hyuga, President of Tohatsu Corporation, commented on the new partnership: “Power Equipment has demonstrated strong capability and unwavering commitment within the marine industry. We are confident that, together with such a trusted partner, this agreement will play a pivotal role in driving our long-term growth across the Oceania market.… Read More

Auckland’s iconic waterfront is set to be transformed into a global sailing festival in February and March 2027, as The Ocean Race revealed exciting partnerships and key details of the Southern Ocean stopover, marking the return of the City of Sails to the race route for the first time since 2018.At a media launch held in the city’s Viaduct Harbour on Monday afternoon, organisers celebrated Auckland’s long-standing relationship with the world’s most prestigious and demanding fully-crewed, around-the-world sailing event with the unveiling of a special 50th anniversary logo, commemorating half a century since the city first hosted the race.The fleet… Read More

Port Nelson’s marine haul-out and maintenance facility, operating as Calwell, officially opened this morning. Representatives of the Crown and Kānoa joined iwi, industry and community leaders to celebrate the event. Picture by Tim Cuff – 18 March 2026 – Commissioning of the new hoist at Port Nelson, Nelson, New Zealand. The $29 million facility represents a significant investment in the region’s marine infrastructure, facilitating improved haul-out, maintenance, and vessel servicing capabilities to support the growing needs of New Zealand’s blue economy. The redevelopment was co-funded by Port Nelson, Nelson City Council, and Central Government, administered through the Kānoa – Regional… Read More

Boasting significantly upgraded performance and networking, comparable to the larger and more expensive Axiom 2 Pro and Axiom 2 XL, the new Axiom 2 models are designed to work seamlessly with the latest generation of marine apps, as well as with those still in development. Available in the smaller 7-, 9- and 12-inch sizes, Axiom 2 features an impressive upgraded 6-core processor, delivering noticeably faster startup, chart rendering and multitasking. Thanks to its integral Gigabit RayNet® Ethernet, it also offers faster chart sharing, data transfer and lower-latency video. Axiom 2’s expanded system memory of 64 GB allows it to store… Read More

Confidence, courage and backing yourself were the themes of the Auckland Boat Show’s inaugural Women in Marine event, which drew a crowd of 115 industry professionals on 5 March. The gathering highlighted the growing contribution of women across the marine sector, from on-the-ground operations to sailing,  media and business leadership. Speakers included Olympic Gold Medallist and America’s Cup trailblazer Jo Aleh, founder of Wild Chix Isabell Zitzelsberger, and Ocean Media’s Managing Director Hillary Buckman, Managing Director of Ocean Media, with MC marina industry veteran Nicky Vaux. “What stood out for me was that each of these leading women had the… Read More

The New Zealand Marine Commercial Vessels Sector has announced the publication of the 2026 Commercial Vessel Directory, a comprehensive showcase of New Zealand’s commercial boatbuilding, naval architecture, marine engineering, vessel repair, maintenance, and refit capability. The new Directory profiles the depth of New Zealand’s commercial ship and workboat expertise and highlights the innovation, technical excellence and global competitiveness that have earned the country an international reputation for delivering world-class commercial vessels. New Zealand’s marine industry is widely respected as one of the most innovative and efficient creators of high-technology vessels and marine equipment in the world. From advanced aluminium and… Read More

With one year to go, The Ocean Race 2027 is set to deliver the ultimate test in offshore sailing with a monster of an opening leg from Alicante to Auckland – the longest in race history. The record-breaking opening leg will take crews halfway around the world, setting sail on January 17, 2027, from Alicante, Spain, embarking on an unprecedented first leg that will take them to the other side of the planet, with an anticipated arrival in Auckland of February 20. The extraordinary 14,000 nautical mile passage will set the tone for what is widely regarded as the toughest… Read More