19 minute read
Tech Talk
Technology Update
Svante Borgenas and the Development of E-Tech
The Equipment you must have to feel safe on Board
Less Fuel Consumption, fouling free Hull, minimal maintenance... is it a Dream?
Technology Update
By Roger Horner
Since my last column it has been a busy month with a lot of travelling! Last month I had just finished a week at the Monaco Show and had moved onto the Superyacht Technology Conference in Barcelona.
Superyacht Technology Conference
This was my first visit, albeit my colleagues had visited last year. We decided to support Jack Robinson, as we totally endorse the idea of specialist service company shows, so we took a booth.
During the pandemic we at e3 decided that “Yacht Shows” should get back to what they were originally conceived as, which was to sell and charter yachts. As such we believe the organisers should focus heavily on making it easy and comfortable for potential purchasers to visit. This is what the organisers of Monaco have done by putting the day ticket prices so high and having a VIP Day on Wednesday. Yacht owners feed our industry which is why they should be given this dedicated access. The “Yacht Show” organisers have always added the service companies as a second income stream, and we have always been treated as second fiddle.
As such, there is now definitely space for a specialist superyacht technology event, combining new technology launches with a conference.
The best new tech launch that caught my attention at the Conference was from VBH. They call it “Invisible Technology” and it certainly is! Televisions and remote controls can be fully integrated inside materials like natural stone and wood, and they appear from what is a wooden panel or a marble wall! Extraordinary! It blew my mind trying to work out how it works.
The development of this technology arose from a survey of their clients and two of the comments were: a) we don’t like the residual black panels/plates that are left on the walls when the TV is off and b) we don’t like using iPads as remote controls.
E3 Systems Directors Alon Walker and Roger Horner
The Big Wriggle Charity Cycling Event down to Sa Calobra and back
After the Conference it was back to Mallorca for our cycle event. There is a full write up in this issue by my colleague Hamish, who together with Mat organised the event, with sponsorship from Fraser and Speedcast. As you will read and see it was a great success, everyone enjoyed it and we raised nearly €3,000 more for Yachting Gives Back. Look out for the next event in April next year. Take a look at the fantastic event video https://e3s.com/inside-e3/media/
October used to be a quiet month after the Monaco Show with just three days for the Pinmar Golf, but not the case anymore as Monaco was followed by the Superyacht Technology Conference, then the cycling, followed by the Inmarsat Conference in London. Then it was onto Fort Lauderdale to visit our new office and then to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) to support our USA team to present an educational workshop on the next generation of satellite communications, at The Bahia Mar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale.
New office in Fort Lauderdale
At the end of September, we closed our office in Coral Springs and have moved to Fort Lauderdale alongside the New River. This is the view from our office. This is a fantastic location and brings us much closer to our clients and is very accessible to FLIBS.
Educational Workshops @FLIBS22
If you are a regular reader of this column over the last few months, you will be aware of the LEO Super Broadband Updates I have been providing. This resulted in us writing a White Paper on the subject which has been viewed hundreds of times on-line.
My colleague Mathieu Cros and I ran two, onehour, Educational Workshops on the first afternoon of FLIBS, which was effectively our White Paper – Live!
We are moving at a rapidly changing pace in the satellite industry, and we have been asked by our clients so many questions about the new LEO constellation Starlink from SpaceX, as well as changes with MEO and GEO constellations, that we felt that the emphasis at FLIBS should not be selling a product, nor a solution, but promoting impartial education to Captains, Engineers and Systems Integrators on what they can expect to see on their boats regarding satellite communications in the short and long term. Each session was well attended, and we were really pleased by the feedback.
One attendee said: “Thank you for the opportunity to attend. It was a great presentation, very factual and excellent reactions from the clients. Education is key and these events are a perfect platform”.
We will be repeating this presentation at the ACREW Event in Astilleros de Mallorca at 10:00 on Wednesday 9th November.
Satellite Communications - LEO Super Broadband Update 5
Starlink quietly introduce data cap plans
This month Starlink have quietly mentioned they will be introducing high-speed data caps for US users. Starlink have added new language to their terms of service about users receiving a monthly allocation of “Priority Access”.
Clearly, they are preparing to impose high speed data caps for Starlink users in the USA to address the growing congestion woes facing the service.
According to the new policy, residential, business and the new Starlink mobile plan users will receive a “monthly allocation of Priority Access” with fast internet speeds, but once they exceed the specific limit, speeds could be reduced if the surrounding area is already full of other data hungry users.
Effectively, it appears that with the capacity they have, which is limited, they are going to introduce a Fair Use Policy, to manage the expectations of users. They did this in August in France by slowing down the service to users once they had exceeded 250GB.
Viasat VS3 GEO Update
In December the first of the three massive Viasat VS3 F1 satellites will be launched, coincidentally by SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
These satellites are the largest and most powerful satellites ever launched. They will all provide 1Tbps which is multiples more than the nearest current largest satellite. VS3 F1 Americas will be in service for maritime in July/August 23 followed by VS3 F2 EMEA for maritime in Sept/October 23 and VS3 F3 APAC for maritime in April/May 24.
The key features that come with this new service are: • 50Mbps streaming • A new Intellian NX conversion kit to avoid purchasing a proprietary antenna • Evolution toward month-to-month contracts • 4 x breakouts USA, Spain, UK, Germany for national IPTV breakouts
Next stop is METS! We have Intellian and Viasat with us on our booth at METS this year, so come and talk to us, especially if you are building a new yacht.
A compact, integrated and intelligent waste water filtration system developed by Wave was shown for the first time at METS. The water treatment system is contained within a single unit only 36cm x 67cm x 33.7cm and weighing 30 kgs so it’s compact and lightweight and easy to install on new builds or as a retrofit. The Wavebrite(TM) SMART removes all contaminants from onboard grey water, including plastics, and discharges clean water to meet the EU Waste Water Standard.
No more excuses for pumping grey water directly over the side! We love it!
Marine Engineering Palma, C/ Alexandre Laborde, 3, local 3 07011 Polìgono Can Valero, Palma de Mallorca Office: 0034 - 971 447 477, info@me-palma.com, www.me-palma.com
Our container inside STP is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 0930-1030 to receive donations of food, toiletries, bedding, toys, cleaning materials etc. Alternatively please donate:
Bankia: IBAN ES81 2038 3480 5160 0019 8061 All proceeds will be used to buy food for the homeless and hungry
See website or Facebook for details, or contact Nick Entwisle (+34) 619 117 937 nick@yachtinggivesback.com www.yachtinggivesback. com
experience inspired interiors since 1996
Svante Borgenas and the Development of E-Tech
by Lisa Thompson
E-TECH YACHTING MARINE ELECTRICAL SERVICES. A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SOLUTION FOR THE YACHTING INDUSTRY AND BEYOND!
I met with Svante Borgenas, CEO of E-Tech Yachting (ETY), along with recently appointed Oliver Rduch, Commercial Director, to find out more about the expert services the company has been providing for more than 40 years. Having completed over 1,000 projects and electrical refits during this time, Svante’s knowledge and expertise, as well as his Scandinavian management style have resulted in a solid and successful company. Not only is E-Tech used as a reference in the marine industry but it’s also the largest yachting electrical engineering and electronic specialist in Spain.
How did you make the transition from regular Electrician to the marine sector?
Svante: “Having trained to be an Electrician, I soon realised that thanks to my logical thinking skills and clever hands, I could fix anything with no limitations. Some friends had a boat with electrical problems that they tried to fix in America but couldn’t, so they asked me to help. I arrived young and happy with my tool bag in one hand and a bag of underwear and t-shirts in the other, and got stuck in. I then worked in Antigua for 3 years and slowly made my way to Mallorca where I started a small company based in Portals which just grew and grew!”
How would you describe your clearly successful management style?
Svante: “I never pushed hard to grow the business, it just gradually happened. The highest priority in life for me was to sleep well at night, do a good days work - with no messing around. I’m very flexible with my team and if they need time off we help each other out and create a family-like bond by sharing energy between us. This has proved to work incredibly well. I have always run the company like a small family business with everyone involved in everything.”
Can you tell me about your innovative BLUEWAVE™ system?
Svante: “BLUEWAVE™ is a system we have developed that enables the complete electrical integration of the vessel’s power management, navigation, alarm monitoring systems and switchboards. It uses real-time signals on board to alert you to any potential issues before they become critical. ETY can then go online and log into the boat’s system remotely, check everything and instruct via video call if/when necessary. This means a fix can be completed almost immediately without the huge cost and time it takes to fly a specialist Electrician to the vessel’s location, therefore avoiding downtime of essential system components and, of course, disruption to the owner’s time on board.
BLUEWAVE™ is designed, built and tested by ETY and each system is personalised and fine-tuned to every vessel’s individual specification and can be installed at the time of build, or as part of a refit as each BLUEWAVE™ system integrates seamlessly with any existing system. With this, the yacht owner can rest assured that his vessel’s entire electrical and mechanical system will be maintained to the highest level possible, with nothing being neglected, ultimately ensuring its longevity. We also use readily available advanced components making them easy
to source from anywhere in the world as we do not believe in making nice little white sealed units with our branding on that can only be accessed by us and only use components bought from us at a hyper-inflated cost to generate us extra income. We have the complete reverse thinking and offer total transparency with our pricing and our system is so successful and our standards so high that we do not need to be greedy and act in this way to yield further revenue – both our product and service speak for themselves.”
Do you supply the BLUEWAVE™ to any other vessels apart from superyachts?
Svante: “Yes, we are working in commercial areas such as wind farm vessels and small service vessels and this has meant we are selling our systems big style now. We are also working with a company in Scotland that build bridge consoles and put our alarm monitoring system, switchboard and distribution board into the console, and then crate it to the shipyard in the UK where the boat is being built. Now, they are also exporting to America as the electricians in America are so expensive that it is cheaper for them to buy the pack and send it there where it will be installed, and we commission it remotely.”
I hear you have set up a new partnership in the USA – can you tell me more?
Svante: “Yes, we have launched a cooperation with Vanguard Tech Services LLC in Florida. They have direct representation in Fort Lauderdale and will assist us in enhancing sales and service support of the BLUEWAVE™ system in the Americas. Their CEO, Garvis Paisley, will be using his vast knowledge, experience and leadership skills to further improve the network support required by the increase in systems refits on yachts, as well as commercial vessels. There will be an official launch celebration at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show this October. We have also developed strong partnerships in the UK over the years, supplying the BLUEWAVE systems to commercial vessels.”
Svante Boargenas and Garvis Paisley from Vanguard Tech Services USA
Oliver Rduch
Oliver, I understand you will be taking over the helm from Svante – what is your background?
Oliver: “I’m an Economist and Business Developer and have worked many years for large industrial companies, mainly in Germany as I am German. I’ve spent many years developing markets in the Middle East for construction machinery such as mobile cranes, tower cranes, etc, for a company called Lapare, and then for a Japanese competitor, Tadano, who I set up the European markets for. It was
heavy machinery that was very capital-intensive and needed a lot of servicing and if it breaks down, it needs to be fixed very quickly. Having that understanding of the importance of immediate support was essential and is the same here with a vessel’s systems - you need help immediately, especially if you are out on the water or if you are in dock and need to go somewhere.
Having developed dealers in larger regions such as the Middle East that sell and service these larger construction machines, for me it was natural to see that this is a good, developed, mature product that we now need to find distributors for to roll it out and see how we can initially install and support, and then help them to grow and do their own installation and support. We can then guide them and check the system remotely to ensure everything is correct and ready for the local party to take it for the sea trials.”
So Svante, when do you envisage handing over the reins and finally putting your feet up?
Svante: “When….? 15 minutes, 14 years!? The more plans you make, the more disappointed you will be so there is no pressure and everything comes when it is ready. When I’ve done my work well, it means I have no more things to do, so I can back off more and slowly disappear.
Over the past 5 years, I have set up for the next generation of super yachts and commercial vessels and have succeeded very well. The company is now in a place where I wish I was 20 years younger having recently teamed up with Vanguard in America and developed a presence in New Zealand and Australia, so things are just going to explode from here. But I believe that at this stage in life it is important to do the things you want to do while you can still do them. It is important to give the younger ones a chance and you must take care of yourself and your family and enjoy life – this is the balance. Therefore, Oliver will be taking the reins into his capable hands as I slowly back off.”
It is clear to see Svante’s very deserving pride in what he has created and achieved with E-Tech Yachting. From an exceptional product/service package that will be invaluable to vessels for many years to come, to a solid team that has flourished under his well-balanced management style. Svante can rest knowing that he has left a seriously impressive and innovative legacy in the yachting world………and beyond!
The Equipment you must have to feel safe on Board
An excellent security system at sea can save you from many situations that compromise the integrity of the crew on board. The equipment cataloged as GMDDS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) evolve with better technology and greater coverage. At Disvent Ingenieros we recommend some products that shouldn’t be missing from your boat.
Em-Trak AIS System Em-Trak AIS transceivers guarantee the best performance, reliability and connectivity. With technology focused on security, constant and sustained, the English firm has a long experience developing products for 20 years. EmTrak provides our customers with the best transceivers on the market, thus becoming the preferred and referenced brand for professionals in the industry, as well as rescue and coast guard organizations that value performance and reliability above all else.
For each boat, depending on the navigation area and the required performance, we discover a product in the Em-trak portfolio. Class A and Class B AIS systems. Vessels adhering to the SOLAS convention must incorporate a Class A.
A benchmark in recreational boating is the AIS B923/B925, equipped with an antenna splitter, allowing to share the existing VHF antenna with the radio. Quick and easy to install, with integrated smart connectivity, state-of-the-art GPS receiver and antenna, and the exclusive FLEXI-FIT® bracket system. NMEA2000 and 0183 protocols, along with serial and USB ports, make connecting to all your displays, navigation and PC devices easy and straightforward.
Standard Horizon VHF transmitters For over 50 years, Standard Horizon has manufactured and delivered the best radios on the market, meeting every boater's need.
Portable radios, also double station equipment, among our products, we highlight the GX-1400 VHF, which is class D ITU-R M493-13 with a separate channel 70 receiver, it has the DSC DISTRESS function which, when activated because an emergency onboard, transmits a digital MAYDAY that includes vessel ID, latitude/longitude, and time, to facilitate a quick response.
It has a high-resolution dot matrix screen that makes it easy to navigate through the station's menus, which are very intuitive.
Jotron, leading brand in EPIRB and SART transponders The EPIRB and SART transponder are two of the most important safety elements on board and that no sailor would want to use, but it can save lives. Being at the forefront of technology, Jotron complies with current international standards in accordance with IMO and SOLAS, in addition to all the mandatory requirements of commercial, maritime, fishing, deep sea and recreational vessels.
The Tron 60GPS with float-free bracket stands out as it has a portable, small and compact size. Designed to have IMO SOLAS requirements this kit is suitable for all vessel segments from leisure sail or motor boats to commercial vessels, fishing, work boats, offshore tugboats, etc.
Remember that you can see this and more products on our website: www.disvent.com
Less Fuel Consumption, fouling free Hull, minimal maintenance... is it a Dream?
Fouling has a domino effect on cost and maintenance workload. It increases the roughness of the hull’s surface, consequently increasing a yacht’s drag through the water. It leads to higher fuel consumption and thus increased cost. Increased fuel consumption leads to increased emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. Maintenance costs also increase with fouling. The superyacht must be dry-docked more often, and will require extra surface treatment and painting. In addition to all that, fouling also has a negative effect on a ship’s manoeuvrability.
The antifouling paint and its performance is becoming more and more talked about for 2 reasons: first; Superyachts are often static for extended periods of time, which inevitably results in more fouling and more maintenance. Second: antifouling plays a huge role in the prevention of the invasive species migration between different parts of the world’s Oceans and seas.
Superyacht captains and management companies will do anything they can to reduce their maintenance workload while maintaining efficiency. Monthly cleaning regimes delay drydocking as long as possible.
In order to be more environmentally friendly, more and more captains are reaching out to biocide free solutions, however the question remains how efficient are these solutions?
Is there really a product out there that ticks all the boxes?
At Hempel we believe we’ve found one!
Hempaguard X7 provides excellent results improving the yacht’s performance while also reducing the maintenance costs, the fuel consumption and the overall emissions. It helps keeping the hull clean even when the yacht is stationary for long periods.
How is this possible?
The advanced fouling defence coating Hempaguard X7 is based on ActiGuard® technology which utilizes the combined effect of advanced hydrogel silicone and an efficient biocide.
We recently applied it to the Superyacht Saudade.
Although the previous underwater hull coating of Saudade was also a silicone system, according to the crew, it required regular diving and cleaning.
‘We tried Hempel’s X7 on the rudder and keel for the last 6 months and had fantastic results and now decided to do the whole boat.” - Rob Cumming, Captain of Saudade.
This more eco-friendly alternative to standard antifouling products is suitable for all superyachts, with no limitations on service speeds. It’s very suitable for vessels operating with long service intervals up to 60 months and long idle periods of up to 120 days.
