HamiltonJet has embarked on an exciting project to refit a newly acquired test boat with the company’s innovative new Electro-hybrid Drive (EHX) waterjets. The 15-metre aluminium hydrofoil-assisted catamaran enjoyed a former life as a recreational vessel, cruising the waters of New Zealand’s beautiful Marlborough Sounds. Now, with a significant refit well underway, she is bound for a relaunch as the showcase for HamiltonJet’s newest technology to be used for development, testing and demonstration of the EHX system. The test boat was designed initially by Teknicraft and built by Q-West boat builders. Q-West will also complete the refit. “We chose Q-West… Read More

New Zealand’s leading marine electronics distributor, ENL Group, will supply camera monitoring systems to commercial fishing vessels as part of a new initiative from Fisheries NZ (MPI) to monitor the endangered Maui Dolphin population on the West Coast of the North Island. The monitoring hardware supplied by Marine Instruments and associated review software is from Archipelago Marine Research Ltd –  A partnership combining world leading global providers of marine resource management products and services. As the New Zealand distributor for the world leading technology, ENL Group will undertake the system design, Factory Accceptance Testing and installation of the systems to… Read More

Furuno has unveiled two new Radars designed to meet the needs of workboats and commercial fishing vessels. The 12kW FAR1416 and 25kW FAR1426 Radars incorporate new features and simplified operation in a versatile and space-saving package. By incorporating the processor in the display, there is no need to make space for a ‘black box’ processor. Everything is incorporated in the Radar’s 15″ colour display unit, which can be installed in either portrait or landscape orientation according to the vessel’s need. Portrait orientation is perfect for workboat or towboat operators, who desire a more expansive look forward of the vessel, while… Read More

NZ Marine has just published ‘Select New Zealand – Commercial Vessel Directory’ which will be used in our marketing mix to sell NZ-built commercial vessels to NZ Government departments and the 43 governments in the Global Procurement Agreement. The commercial boatbuilding sector is now larger than the recreational boat building sector in NZ and we look forward to continued increasing exports, apprenticeship training and employment in this growing sector. View the 2017/2018 Commercial Vessel Directory here Read More

A $16 million investment from Fullers will mean two additional, faster 34 metre passenger ferries and increased frequency on the popular Waiheke to Auckland route in what is New Zealand’s largest commercial vessel contract ever awarded.                                 Fullers, who boast more than 25 years of investment in maritime transport and operate as part of the InMotion group of transport assets, provide the most reliable and comprehensive timetable for the Waiheke crossing with peak commuter services starting at Auckland from 5:35am and the last late night service departing Waiheke at 12:30am. The new 360-passenger vessels, delivered by Wanganui-based boatbuilders Q-West, mean that… Read More

A ceremony steeped in tradition was held in Nelson this week to celebrate the launch of a fleet renewal project that will change the face of fishing in New Zealand. The keel laying ceremony marks the beginning of construction of a state-of-the-art fishing vessel that will supply Aotearoa Fisheries Limited, the largest iwi-owned fisheries company. The trawler will be owned and operated by Tauranga-based fishing company RMD and is the first of up to six new vessels that will be built as part of the $25-30 million project. The ceremony was held at the office of Aimex, the Nelson boat-building… Read More

The widely talked about and much anticipated Sea Blade SB20 will be released next week at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, May 14-17. The new fibreglass Sea Blade model range is a joint project between Lancer Industries in New Zealand who will manufacture the vessels, with world acclaimed US Company Navatek providing the patented designs for these unique vessels. The SB20 Centre Console features an open and non clutter layout ideal for day excusions and fishing. The standard configuration includes features such as a 200L fuel tank, self draining cockpit, transom doors, passenger bench seating and underfloor storage with… Read More

With only one week to go to our 2015 New Zealand Marine Industry Conference, the final touches are now being made to this great industry event! If you have not yet registered there is still time – complete the Conference Registration Form and return to Caroline Gibson to secure your place and accommodation at the Copthorne Bay of Islands. We have a great line-up of national and international speakers to inform and inspire you, including Thom Dammrich, President of the US National Marine Manufacturers Association, MaryAnne Edwards, CEO of the Australian International Marine Export Group, and informative presentations from Callaghan Innovation and… Read More

The oil price bubble officially burst when Saudi Arabia acknowledged it was cutting prices for buyers in the U.S. and Asia.  High oil prices for the past four years changed the face of the North American energy business.  Lower oil prices may be about to take the world’s energy markets in a different direction. Price forecasters and energy company managers are struggling to understand the meaning of the oil price drop since mid-summer. Is it a temporary imbalance between supply and demand or does it signify a more significant shift in global supply and demand curves?   Brent oil prices,… Read More

We have received notice of this Forum being held in March During the past few years, the number of offshore projects have been increasing leading to more demand for Offshore Support Vessels that can help support these complex projects. The Middle East region has particularly seen an increase in demand for DP II Vessels, AHTS Vessels and IMR Vessels. The  3rd Annual Offshore Support Vessels Forum taking place from 8 – 11 March in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to be attended by senior representatives from operating companies and ship owners who want to learn about recent innovations in OSVs to help… Read More