Marina Industry August 2023

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Volume 11, Number 50

Contact information

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EDITOR AND ADVERTISEMENT SALES

David Young

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ISSN 2517-7478

©2023 Hartswood Media

EDITOR’S COMMENT

In today’s world, there is no shortage of friction between nations, so it was an encouraging change to see young Greek and Turkish Cypriots come together for a common goal as part of the historic ‘Winds of Change’ voyage, which aims to promote peace, connection and transformation via sailing. Karpaz Gate Marina in Northern Cyprus welcomed organisers and team members from the project to the marina resort as they embarked on a series of training and team building sessions.

The marina is delighted to facilitate this groundbreaking project to produce the first unified Cypriot sailing team to sail around the divided island of Cyprus as one integrated team. Event founder, Sophia Papamichalopoulos, and the crew of 12 recently concluded a four-day training exercise on the Southern Coast of Cyprus before returning to Karpaz Gate Marina where they are preparing for the event.

Working towards a circumnavigation around Cyprus that is scheduled for early September, the crew will continue their team development sessions, selections and action-packed training sessions. The team is thrilled to be hosted by the marina and utilise its state-of-the-art leisure and marina facilities, including the technical centre,

accommodation, restaurant, conference rooms and gym.

On beginning their training, Sophia commented: “Over the course of the coming week, team members will participate in both theoretical courses and practical sailing sessions here at Karpaz Gate Marina. As the majority of the team mates have never sailed before, this specialised training led by a bi-communal team of sailors and trainers, including an Olympian, aims to bring the group to a level where they can function as crew members on a yacht, feel safe and comfortable on the water and thrive as a team”.

Karpaz Gate Marina recognises the need to promote yacht tourism opportunities and shares the ‘Winds of Change’ mission to contribute to peacebuilding, reaffirming its position as a positive force in the future growth of yachting and travel tourism for the entire island.

* * *

The word ‘MARINA’ in our title has turned ‘gold’ for this month having achieved a total of 50 issues. Thanks go to our readers and advertisers – we wouldn’t have reached this milestone without you!

David Young

Front cover: Located at the Southern end of the Rhine Promenade, Marina Düsseldorf is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic architecture. It offers 120 berths and has all the facilities expected from a high-quality city marina, together with a high level of comfort, cleanliness and service (see page 18).

New Zealand marina adds unique curved sea wall

Mercury Bay, on the North Island of New Zealand, is a yachting destination with stunning coastal scenery and a gateway to worldclass offshore fishing. Whitianga Marina recently completed an ambitious 16-month renovation and expansion project featuring SF Marina pontoons and walkways, and a unique, curved sea wall. The marina sees heavy ferry and yacht wakes and wind-generated waves, so the sea wall needed to be both durable and efficient. New Zealand-based Heron Construction Company removed an existing

rock sea wall and replaced it with a 256 metre long x 2 metre wide arcing fixed breakwater with public walkway that terminates in a distinct curved end. With walls that include a decorative cast motif, it’s an example of how one of SF Marina’s licensed manufacturers can create custom structures that are not only practical, but beautiful too.

Just inside the breakwater is the 239 metre long x 2 metre wide dock walkway. It was built using SF Marina type 1120 floating concrete pontoons with angled ends to mirror the breakwater’s curve.

The docks provide unprecedented stability and strength and include integrated utility ducts for power and water. Virtually unsinkable, they are moored with external piles to accommodate the moderate 2.5 metre tidal fluctuation. The 16 finger piers are 1.5 metres wide, range from 17.5-19.5 metres long and are comprised of SF’s type 1515 pontoons.

The project’s floating components were manufactured at the SF

Marina facility in Whangarei, New Zealand, and shipped to Whitianga Marina on a Heron Construction Company barge. Removal of the old rock sea wall, dredging and installation all took place while the marina continued to operate daily. Whitianga Marina can accommodate 231 vessels ranging in length from 10-24 metres. A certified Clean Marina, it is a member of the New Zealand Marina Operators Association.

Port of Lisbon improves infrastructure and replaces pontoons destroyed by fire

The Lisbon Port Administration (APL) continues to improve its floating infrastructure at Alcântara by rehabilitating floating walkways and installing new finger piers. Lindley was contracted through a public tender for the supply, installation and refurbishment of the floating equipment. In addition to improving the existing walkways, 32 new fingers with a length of 12 metres were supplied and installed, all made of hot dip galvanised painted steel, allowing for 64 new mooring berths.

The contract awarded to the

company also included the replacement of walkways and fingers at Bom Sucesso basin to replace walkways and fingers that were damaged by fire on a vessel.

In addition to the standard equipment, Lindley also supplied complementary equipment and accessories for the walkways and fingers, such as mooring bollards and multi-service pedestals in order to provide electricity, water and illumination.

The Port of Lisbon on the Tagus Estuary is the third largest in Portugal.

Blue Flag award for D-Marin marinas

D-Marin has been granted the Blue Flag Award at 14 of its marinas, recognising its commitment across the network to protect the environment and marine life.

The iconic Blue Flag, operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education, is one of the most recognised awards for beaches and marinas. It requires all recipients to meet a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria. The Blue Flag certificate is allocated for a year and is renewed annually to ensure ongoing responsibility.

The company has been recognised for the highest maritime and coastal protection standards through a series of initiatives, which are part of its on-going Environmental Social Governance (ESG) commitments engrained across the premium marina selection.

Water quality testing and treatment, coastal clean-ups involving the marina teams and local community, use of renewable energy, health and safety training,

ethical waste management, and sustainable investments are all activities that contribute to D-Marin’s marinas achieving and renewing Blue Flag awards.

Areti Priovolou, Health, Safety and Environmental Officer, said:

New pump-out for Gosport Marina

As part of the growing demand from coastal marinas for pumpout installations, Warwickshirebased LeeSan, the UK’s leading specialist in onboard marine sanitation and pump-out equipment, has just completed yet another coastal marina installation.

This token-operated pumpout station is located in Premier Marina’s Gosport Marina.

It features LeeSan’s well-proven, reliable and easy-to-operate, LS200WTS unit, which is housed in a smart and weatherproof brushed stainless-steel cabinet for ease of cleaning and long life in a marine environment.

Karl Sutcliffe, Technical Director of LeeSan, comments: “It has been somewhat slow in happening, but

now demand is increasing from coastal harbours and marinas, who are installing or upgrading their pump-out systems to meet growing customer demand. The good news is that we have the experience and equipment to meet just about any requirement”.

“D-Marin marinas are based in the most spectacular yachting destinations in the world and we want to do our part to protect these regions. Our robust ESG strategy to create sustainable marinas for present and future generations is

welcomed with open arms by all our marinas. This commitment is the least we can do to help the destinations we call home and we will always seek new ways we can enhance the environment and marine life”.

Continued interest in ‘Variable Width’ boat hoists

As announced in the June issue of Marina Industry, the first Marine Travelift model with the ‘Variable Width’ option was delivered to the Marine Group Boat Works’ San Jose del Cabo location in March. This 75BFMII (75 metric ton lifting capacity) offers 9 ft of width variability and can be expanded or retracted in 60 seconds.

Brock Ruben, Director of Sales/ Marketing at Marine Travelift, reports that the Marine Group has now ordered a 100 ton model with the ‘Variable Width’ option and there is a 35 ton unit with this technology in production.

Marine Travelift has already delivered a 50 ton ‘Variable Width’

unit to Portland, Connecticut, and another 150 ton unit to Safe Harbor in Newport, Rhode Island. Brock adds that there is continued interest in the new option, with many requests, particularly for larger capacity machines from buyers in the North-West of America.

The Blue Flag was awarded to Punta Faro Resort, the latest marina in D-Marin’s portfolio.

For the fifth consecutive time and following a rigorous assessment, Poole Quay Boat Haven and Port of Poole Marina, both owned and managed by Poole Harbour Commissioners, have retained their prestigious Five Gold Anchor status, the highest level of accreditation on offer, delivered by the Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA).

Kerrie Gray, Marina Manager, said: “I am delighted that we have retained our Five +Gold Anchor status. Thank you again to our loyal customers for their continued support. I am very proud of my team, who have worked so well over the last few years”.

The Gold Anchor scheme has been developed by the marina industry with the aim of raising standards and providing customer-

centric services. It has become an internationally-recognised accreditation assessing quality of service and facilities. The scheme involves an assessment across categories such as ambience, planning, policies and procedures,

customer service, environmental, on-water facilities, and infrastructure and onshore facilities and infrastructure, followed by a mystery shopper check.

Poole Quay Boat Haven offers 125 berths for a variety of vessels from

Five Gold Anchors for Poole marinas Master plan

Poole Harbour Commissioners are currently consulting on their masterplan update, a 20-year plan aspiring to become the UK’s number one marine leisure location. This plan includes adding a new Marine Centre, South of the current Poole Quay Boat Haven, adding approximately 600 berths.

Captain Brian Murphy, Poole Harbour Commissioners’ recently appointed Chief Executive, said: “The new Marine Centre will offer enhanced and improved facilities for our existing customers whilst addressing the shortfall of available berths for new customers and visiting vessels alike. The new facility, which will also include a new Environmental Awareness Centre, will play a major part in the regeneration of Poole Town Quay and attract major events bringing increased visitors to the area for the benefit of local businesses.”

jet skis to 75 metre superyachts and Port of Poole marina has 90 berths welcoming vessels up to 50 metres. Poole Quay Boat Haven has been awarded TYHA Marina of the Year as a Winner or Runner Up nine times since 2014.

D-Marin becomes a safety ambassador for Greek marinas

The Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA) has appointed D-Marin as a safety ambassador as part of its ongoing commitment to strictly adhere to relevant safety regulations and instructions, encouraging others to do the same and thus enhancing maritime safety culture in the local community and wider area.

The commitment applies to all those who appreciate and respect the ocean and want to spread the message for enhanced maritime safety in Greece and the whole Mediterranean Sea.

The ambassadorship was celebrated on the Greek ‘National Day for the Prevention of Sea Accidents and Drownings’ in July in a training session at Zea Marina held in conjunction with HELMEPA.

Areti Priovolou, Health, Safety and Environment Officer at D-Marin, said: “Safety at sea is an important part of our commitment to create a safe working environment and leisure facilities in alignment with our robust ESG strategy and Health and Safety policy. We’re delighted to

have extended our commitment in Greece to become an ambassador with HELMEPA”.

Konstantina Leontsini, Assistant Manager of Zea Marina, received the safety ambassador certificate from HELMEPA’s Head of Strategy and Development, Constantinos

Liverpool Marina joins TransEurope

A perfect location for some cultural city heritage or for exploring the UK’s West Coast, Liverpool Marina is situated in the heart of the city, but enough of a distance away to enjoy the peace the marina offers. With over 300 berths, Liverpool Marina caters for a wide range of clientele from sailing yachts to canal cruisers, long stay and short stay.

Liverpool Marina’s facilities have recently been renovated and include new showers, a laundrette, free super-fast WiFi, electricity, pump-

out and red diesel facilities. The boat yard, Blue Point Marine offers a full range of marine services from their in-house team of specialists. The on-site sports bar & grill is open from 9am to late every day. The marina has a lock entry.

For visitors, Liverpool is rich in cultural heritage. The bustling city is just a 10-minute walk from the marina with the famous for the Royal Albert Dock, Maritime Museum, Tate Liverpool art gallery, Liverpool Beatles Museum as well as a attractive selection of fabulous

Triantafillou, and commented: “It was a great event to mark all the hard work we put into the training and achieving the ambassadorship. I was delighted to receive the certificate from HELMEPA, which is proudly on display at our marina and will continue to encourage all

to think about safety in and around Zea Marina and the wider network”. D-Marin aims to enhance the safety training across all its 20 marinas, extending the importance of its commitment to safety regulations and instructions across its entire network.

shops, bars and restaurants. Cruisers leaving on a morning tide you can visit Hilbre Islands where the nature reserve is replete with seals and waders. Further afield are Rhyl, Llandudno and Conwy, the latter

being the neighbouring TransEurope Marinas member to the south.

Those heading north however will find a good base at Liverpool before setting off for longer cruises to Isle of Man, Ireland and Scotland.

The second edition of ‘Sustainability in Marinas’, compiled and edited by Melanie Symes of Innovamarina, incorporates content from sustainability experts, scientists, engineers, researchers and designers from across the recreational maritime industry.

With contributions from many of the veritable authorities in this industry, this anthology aims to provide some helpful orientation to marina staff looking to develop their sustainability strategies. It approaches sustainability from a number of different angles, ranging from responsible design and environmental stewardship to matters of diversity, equality and inclusion. There is, of course, a piece on alternative propulsion infrastructure and a look at how smart destination integration could benefit marinas in the future.

It is now available for free download from: www.innovamarina.com

Sewerage pipes and vacuum wells for the buildings at Club de Mar in Palma de Mallorca have been ordered from Flovac Vacuum Systems of The Netherlands. The contract is the second the company has won for work on remodelling the marina.

The project is being carried out in two areas and has been awarded to two different construction companies. Both networks will be connected to a single vacuum station.

Water is treated with hydrocarbon separators also supplied by Flovac.

Welsh marina group in trouble New services at Portisco Marina

Administrators from insolvency firm RSM UK have been appointed to Cardiff-based Marine & Property Group, whose marina interests, which continue to trade and are not in administration, include those in Cardiff, Burry Port, Aberystwyth and Port Dinorwic.

The company has seven remaining subsidiaries and is in possession of land at a number of marinas across Wales and on the West Coast of England.

IGY’s Portisco Marina in Sardinia is now offering new services at the facility.

These feature a variety of storage options, managed parcel deliveries, pick-up services, external boat washes and transporting and unloading supplies.

“The majority of yachtsmen say that it is one of the best pontoons they’ve ever moored on. Stable, non-slip and a high freeboard so they do not have to jump from their yachts on to the pontoon.”

Scott Ferguson, Harbour Master, Berwick

Key infrastructure for new Tower Lifeboat Station

On 23 June, Walcon Marine was among those celebrating the opening of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s brand-new Tower Lifeboat Station in the heart of London by HRH the Duke of Kent. The project was a major logistical challenge for Walcon, involving the fabrication and installation of two new 20 metre aluminium bridges, plus additional works.

The new bridges were delivered to Tilbury and then taken up the Thames by barge to the site in the heart of London, in front of Somerset House. The old bridges were then lifted out and new ones lowered into position.

The on-site assembly and installation works took four weeks to complete whilst the station remained fully operational throughout. The works were overseen by infrastructure specialist Herbosch-Kiere NV.

Walcon also built and installed a ramp for disabled and stretcher access that connects the platform to the Embankment towpath behind the station. The ramp was a bespoke project involving detailed design plus high precision manufacturing to ensure fast and smooth passages for injured persons being taken ashore on stretchers. The Tower Lifeboat Station is the

charity’s busiest, with a crew on station around the clock, and in June it reached the milestone of 10,000 call-outs, the first station ever to do so. In 2022 alone, the station had its busiest year with the crew being launched 734 times. Such intensive use requires facilities and equipment

built to the highest standards.

James Walters, Managing Director of Walcon, commented: “It was a complex project, working alongside a number of contractors and stakeholders, and a logistical challenge. However, we are very pleased with the outcome and are

confident our contribution ensures that the facility will be safe and easy for crews to board and for injured people to be taken ashore for many years to come”.

Walcon Marine Ltd

sales@walconmarine.com

www.walconmarine.com

Naval Tecno Sud Boat Stand

Naval Tecno Sud Boat Stand specialises in the design, production and supply of equipment for use in boatyards and to store and transport leisure craft in marinas.

It offers a high quality range of cradles, boat stands, safety steps, work platforms dry stack storage racks and fixed and mobile booths for painting and other maintenance tasks. Versatile boat trailers, both self-propelled and towable, are also available.

Naval Tecno Sud Boat Stand, Via Pino Pascali 28, 70010 Valenzano BA, Italy. Tel: +39 393 5493586 E-mail: navaltecnosudboatstand@gmail.com

GRP solutions for a marina and pier

The hard-wearing alternative to wooden marina decking from Dura Composites is made from effective, antislip fibreglass (GRP) known as Dura Grating, which has a gritted surface that offers superb traction in all weather conditions.

In marine environments it can be used to create new or replacement walkways for marinas, piers and other waterfront facilities and will transform existing, slippery timber decking into an exceptionally safe surface to walk on, vastly improving marina safety standards for berthholders and employees.

Canal marina

As part of its upgrade cycle, Lakeland Leisure turned to Dura Composites when it needed to replace degraded wooden planks with GRP Mini Mesh in teak that provided a non-corrosive, long-term solution to the regeneration of Barton Marina.

The first boat entered the marina on the 15 August, 2000, at 12.05 pm and since then it has grown to accommodate over 300 berths. This heavy footfall, was one of the reasons that Lakeland Leisure

choose Dura’s robust GRP Mini Mesh with its heavily tested, antislip properties that comes with a reassuring 25-year warranty.

Barton Marina, which is located on the Trent and Mersey Canal, plays host to some of Staffordshire’s finest restaurants and bars, and is a popular tourist hotspot, which is

why it was so vital that Lakeland upgraded the timber pontoons to something more permanent. Working with Dura’s partners Shoredeck Marine, Barton Marina was offered a new lease of life with the full turnkey solution of design, supply and install.

Commenting on the project, Dean

Fuller, Marine Manager at Dura, said:

“I’m really proud of the part we are playing in helping to upgrade our beautiful marinas across the UK by providing long-lasting, marketleading, future-proof solutions that provide great companies like Lakeland Leisure with the peace of mind they need”.

Fishing pier

Non-corrosive GRP products from Dura were also chosen by the local council of Conwy and the contractors, Alun Griffiths, to create a durable, long-lasting fishing platform that the local people could be proud of. Alun Griffiths turned to Dura to help deliver the pier in a newly designated area away from the busy North Wales tourist routes.

The brief that led to the choice of Dura’s product range was for the structure to enhance and blend with the stunning landscape, and a bespoke, special order sand colour (RAL1001) was produced in GRP Profile and Standard Mesh. Needing an enduring non-corrosive solution, the client opted for Dura’s composite secondary profile beams over the existing steel sub-structure,

Barton Marina before and (pictures below) after regeneration.

which the lightweight grating and profile, with its precise design, allowed for easy manoeuvre on site. The finished pier requires only minimal maintenance and has resulted in a new facility to be enjoyed by anglers and tourists alike.

Iwan Pritchard, Project Manager at Alun Griffiths, stated: “We wanted a durable and reliable solution that could withstand the harsh marine environment while providing safe access for the enduser. Dura Composites provided

a fantastic service throughout the design period and supported us during the installation. I would recommend the company for any fishing platform or marine construction project. Its durability, slip resistance and

remarkable aesthetics make it an ideal choice for those seeking a high-performance, long-lasting solution”.

Dura Composites Ltd info@duracomposites.com www.duracomposites.com

Overcoming the fear factor

By Dan Natchez, CMP*

There is an underlying fear of the water for many. Some have to do with a bad experience and some have to do with not being able to swim, but most have to with the unknown. Is it real – yes – is it widespread – a question that I have pondered. As a much younger child growing up near the water it was,

for me, a natural attraction, but for many of my friends it was not. They were willing to go wading from the beach – and then, with urging and the aid of a floatation device, to slowly go out to the deeper water, but where they could still stand. Eventually, on a hot sunny day they actually started to enjoy it and ventured farther out.

I grew up by water, although my family said “in” the water, but I remember always not forcing my desires on others, rather gently urging them to join in with safety precautions.

You should also know my mother thought that a bathing suit was for sunbathing, but was never to get wet and my father only knew where

the water was from a map or in a glass. While I never went through a formal program, I was always drawn to the majestic calling of the water. I hung around the water, hitching rides when I could, and learned about sailing, racing, water-skiing and lots more that continually brought challenges and appreciation and an unbelievable

Youngsters being taught to kayak by an instructor.

sensation of satisfaction when overcoming the hurdles.

Secret desire

Since I was always getting my friends to join, I never gave much thought about how there could be fear of boating and the water.

I loved water-skiing and always was inviting young, old and inbetween to join in, but one family that I enjoyed being with was an eye-opener for me. All could swim and enjoy the pool, but all were hesitant to get into the water at the beach or when out on a boat.

At least that was what I thought. It turned out that boating was a dream for the husband, but never ventured into it. Until one day I took him and his wife to a boat show and he decided to buy a sailboat. Wow! – what an eye-opener as he knew nothing about sailing, but enjoyed watching the sailboats on the water and had this secret desire. His wife’s reaction to his decision, “Are you kidding?!” I enjoyed teaching him about sailing and gently coaxing her and the rest of the family out on to the boat. What I had not known until later was that his wife was

terrified of the water. The pool was OK, but anything else sent shivers up and down her spine. She and my mother got along great and in time and with gentle coaxing she actually started to enjoy sailing as long as the winds were light, the sun was bright and the seas calm. Eventually, she was relaxed enough to even want to try water-skiing and so did my mother.

I learned that many can overcome their fear of the water and boating and not only overcome it, but enjoy being engaged in it.

Teaching young children how to

swim – not forcing them or just throwing them into the pool, but gently encouragingly them – is a worldly gift. In many countries, there is an inherent fear of the water due to many things such as wars, culture, major episodic storms that have wiped out communities. There are many programs to teach people how to swim even if is not near a coast, lake or river.

Marinas, yacht clubs, schools, summer camps and many other facilities provide meaningful and encouraging classes and programs for teaching people of all ages how

Jumping into the Aegean Sea from a boat near Mykonos.

NATCHEZ ON THE WATERFRONT

to swim, as well as introducing everyone to the wonders of the water.

Similar programs focus on teaching others about boating from paddle-boarding and kayaking (two of the world’s fastest growing recreational sports) to power and sail boating. Yacht clubs, sailing schools, municipalities and clubs, in particular, run junior sailing programs, which introduce many to the world of boating.

Today, many countries and states are requiring boating operators licensing – some for the younger generation and others for all operators. There are organisations such as the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Sea Cadets, Boat US, Sea Tow, universities and, yes, even insurance companies, that offer meaningful educational courses, instruction and other materials for boaters. Some of these are for licensing, others for navigation, safety, operations, boat care, as well as traveling regattas, rafting and more.

Marina partnerships

Marinas can partner with these organisations and sometimes host, as well as publicise such opportunities and groups. One marina regularly offers its chandlery store for such courses, usually in the

off-season, moving their displays to the side, adding chairs and inviting their customers and the public to sign up for such courses. Not only does this keep up interest in boating, but creates more traffic into the marina and, with that, attracting potential new customers and serving existing clients.

There are also courses on navigation, boat and engine maintenance and simple repairs. Like

automobiles, things go wrong and knowing how to maintain the boat, as well as undertaking (like pilots) a simple ‘flight check list’ goes a long way to prevent problems on the water, as well as reducing anxiety for those in the process of getting comfortable with boating.

Many Coast Guard Auxiliaries and other organisations also offer free boat safety inspections, and you may be able to make that part of what is offered for a course, or even at a barbeque or similar event at your facility. In addition to helping keep your customers safe, when the boat-owner is told that their flares have expired or other equipment is no longer operative, they can go to the on-site chandlery to purchase replacements and the marina is not viewed as the culprit, but rather as the solution.

We know of one marina-owner that provided movie nights at his marina a couple of times during the Summer. He would set up a screen facing the berthed boats and many would come and sit in their boats with guests and others would come by boat to enjoy the film. It was always a big hit. He was also noticing a decline in many younger children up through their teenage years as they became hesitant to enjoy boating as they grew older. So he decided

to show the picture Jaws and, as a whim, decided to offer a free T-shirt to anyone watching the movie to the end in a rubber/plastic tube in the water or from a floating kayak, canoe or paddle board, but they had to sign up in advance. He ordered 25 T-shirts. Word spread and he had to quadruple the order. He relates that the tactic ended up bringing in many more first-time customers, as well as many telling him that it helped them get over their fear of boating. Who would have guessed? It just proves that one is limited only by one’s immigration as to how to overcome fear of water, as well as stimulate boating.

Boaters are always concerned about their boat, the weather and water conditions. A growing number of marinas are now providing webcams, which are not only for customers, but for the public with real-time weather information, as well as useful forecasts for the day. Views of the marina allow customers to check on their boats. If the camera can also pick up the water surrounding the marina it gives one a feel for the current conditions. Having links to other weather webcams that provide additional real-time conditions of waves and winds on the open water are much appreciated by boaters. Adding links

AUGUST

A double rainbow over Mamaroneck Harbor in New York State.

Teaching young children how to swim – not forcing them or just throwing them into the pool, but gently encouragingly them – is a worldly gift. In many countries, there is an inherent fear of the water due to many things such as wars, culture, major episodic storms that have wiped out communities. There are many programs to teach people how to swim even if is not near a coast, lake or river.

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to other local webcams have proven to be a meaningful source for new customers.

Fun aspects

One of the more fun aspects of boating is day outings, cruising, rafting and other get-togethers. Not only can one enjoy the water, but joining and interacting with others provides cameradery, as well as to hear and learn about experiences of others and suggestions and finding out about things one did not know.

Do not forget to enjoy the unbelievable sunrises and sunsets on water that open one’s mind to the wonders of nature. If you are lucky, you may get to enjoy a rainbow or even a double rainbow on the horizon – I still have not yet found the pot of gold at the end of them, but it never hurts to think about it.

Marinas would do well to continue to provide pictures on the office walls, on the website, in newsletters and postings on social media of those really enjoying the water. Like the husband of my acquaintance, there are many who desire to get into

boating, but that means overcoming various factors. The more one can do to promote memorable and fun happenings, the more people think about getting into boating or using their boats more often. Inviting customers to send or post such pictures is a sure winner. Running a contest for the best picture of your customers enjoying life on the water is an effective way of stimulating boating and making customers feel part of the marina’s boating family.

The more one can overcome people’s fears of boating and stimulate getting on to the water, the brighter the future is for marinas.

*Dan Natchez, CMP, is President of Daniel S. Natchez and Associates Inc,a leading international environmental waterfront design consulting company specialising in the design of marinas and marina resorts throughout the world.Your comments and enquiries are invited on Tel: +1 914 698 5678, by Fax: +1 914 698 7321, by E-mail: dan.n@ dsnainc.com or on his Website: www.dsnainc.com

An officer in the Coast Guard Auxiliary giving a lecture.

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The multi-purpose range of workboats and trash-skimmers can perform many functions, including debris collection, aquatic weed harvesting, trash removal, mobile pump-out, oil spill response and marina maintenance roles.

These craft are supported by a worldwide network of experienced distributors and technical representatives.

Cleaning up the World’s waterways

The Port of Brussels recently took delivery of a Water Witch all-electric litter collection vessel called ‘Damona’ in an effort to combat floating trash. It was launched on 2 June, in the presence of the Brussels Minister Alain Maron, who is responsible for Environment and the Port of Brussels, and Philippe Herman, Harbour Master of the Port of Brussels. ‘Damona’ will crisscross the 14 km of the canal in the Brussels-Capital Region in search of waste floating on the waterway and is the first electric and zero-emission boat acquired by the Port. Each year, between 200 and 250 cu m of ocean-bound plastics and debris are recovered by the Port’s waste collection service.

The name ‘Damona’, which pays homage to the Gallic Goddess of springs and rivers, was chosen by the teams of the Harbour Master’s office of the Port of Brussels, who will use the boat on a daily basis. The vessel was built by Liverpoolbased Water Witch after a call for tenders launched by the Port of

Brussels in 2021.

This new, emission-free boat reinforces the ability of the Port to improve the cleanliness of the 80 hectares of water in the region’s canals.

At present, the cleaning teams go out almost every day and single-use plastic is the top contributor. The majority of marine litter collected is plastic products such a beverage bottles, plastic bags, food wrappers, cups and trays. In addition, the crews fish out larger items such as bicycles, mattresses and dumped waste on the banks.

For Brussels Minister Alain Maron, “Cleanliness is a common good. It is essential for our quality of life and the quality of our environment. The canal, being the lowest point of our region and also a gigantic storm basin, gathers a good part of the waste generated by urban life, which must be collected regularly so that it does not flow into the sea”.

The 8 metre aluminium VersiCat trash skimmer is sustainably built from up to 75% recycled content and fully recyclable at the end of its

life. She is equipped with a 12 kw Cruise 12 Torqeedo electric motor, allowing her to glide silently across the waters at the 7 knots required, and the Power 48 Lithium batteries are the most up-to-date and safest on the market. The vessel’s electric controls feature a built-in GPS, an on-board computer and display for information such as speed and input power, state of charge and remaining range, and even an advance communication system that links user’s Bluetooth and App

technology to the complete system.

Jackie

Caddick, Director of Water Witch, says there has been a hugely increased interest for electric vessels, with some existing owners even looking to upgrade their current vessels. “We’ve kept with the outboard configuration to make installation quick and cost-effective, and maintaining the ability to keep our hull configurations to a standard design, which reduces manufacturing time and costs. With over 95 of these vessels currently in service world-wide, we expect to see an increasing demand for the zeroemission option, with clients looking to improve their carbon footprint.

“Electric propulsion is advancing fast and by concentrating on building 100% electric systems (not just the motor, but all on-board equipment) and from environmentally-friendly, sustainable materials, we are able to offer a unique design that is a world first.”

Water Witch

info@waterwitch.com

www.waterwitch.com

We’ve kept with the outboard configuration to make installation quick and cost-effective, and maintaining the ability to keep our hull configurations to a standard design, which reduces manufacturing time and costs.

The Versi-Cat is the world’s first fully electric trash skimmer.

Marina Düsseldorf, Germany

Marita and Paul Joseph Gast were enthusiastic water sports enthusiasts and so they decided to open their own boat mooring facility more than 45 years ago. The first private marina on the Rhine was built in the former harbour basin on Weizenmühlenstrasse, Düsseldorf, in 1976. By the year 2000, a new floating facility had been constructed from 1.4 km of concrete jetties and anchored in what is today known as the city’s media harbour. Two years later, a 600 ton floating Harbour Master’s building was erected, incorporating a workshop, showers, guest toilets, space for social events and offices. There are private rooms on the first floor

Located at the Southern end of the Rhine Promenade, Marina Düsseldorf is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic architecture, including Gehry’s Der Neue Zollhof with its asymmetric leaning and twisting towers. The area is also well-known for its emphasis

on gastronomy, with a large concentration of restaurants, bistros and bars.

In 2020, the marina began co-operating with Lisa and Moritz

Todisco, who also run the Onwater Boat School in the media harbour, and this year, the marina outsourced the organisation of events and harbour management to Lisa and

Moritz, with the aim of becoming a leading promoter of ‘green events with a low carbon footprint’.

Marina Düsseldorf offers 120 berths and has all the facilities expected from a high-quality city marina, together with a high level of comfort, cleanliness and service. There are well-maintained individual bathrooms with shower and toilet, washing machines and dryers, all-year-round 24-7 security and free Wi-Fi. There is also free car parking for clients who drive to the marina.

To ensure self-sufficiency in the event of a power cut, the marina has installed a 20 KV generator. Finally, to emphasise the green credentials of its founders, CARE diesel biofuel has been introduced to mitigate climate change.

Marina Düsseldorf

mail@marina-duesseldorf.de www.marina-duesseldorf.de

Portable extinguisher for lithium battery fires

Fires resulting from lithium battery cell failure are notoriously volatile and fastevolving. Conventional fire suppressant and extinguishing agents are not designed to combat them, but now, Sea-Fire Europe Ltd offers a cost-effective lithium battery fire

suppression solution with a new line of AVD portable extinguishers for the EMEA market.

Lithium batteries are common in hand-held devices such as mobile phones and VHF radios, as well as recreational toys like drones and foils. They are also increasingly used in energy storage units in the form of deep cycle batteries and electric craft power plants. This expanding use results in greater on board fire risk.

When a lithium battery cell fails, whether due to damage, defect, short circuit or overcharging, the heat generated transfers to neighbouring cells. This causes a cascading – and potentially lethal – combustion sequence called thermal runaway.

Sea-Fire AVD extinguishers use Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion, an innovative suppression agent, to encapsulate the fire source. This provides a non-flammable oxygen barrier that smothers flames while delivering a cooling effect to halt thermal runaway.

The suppression agent is an advanced and highly refined

formulation of vermiculite particles and water. It is non-toxic and environmentally safe, with no global warming potential.

Sea-Fire AVD refillable handheld extinguishers are available in 500 ml and 1 litre sizes and MED-approved 2, 6 and 9 litre capacities. The convenient, single-use 500 ml size is ideal for smaller applications. For large vessels, wheeled units are also available and fixed systems are planned for the future.

All products feature multi-lingual labels, manuals and documentation in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

Sea-Fire Europe Ltd customersupport@sea-fire.co.uk www.sea-fire.co.uk

D-Marin launches bespoke app

The group of 20 premium marinas that comprises D-Marin continues to pave the way as part of its digitisation strategy with the launch of a bespoke app, which will be rolled out across all its marinas to help further enrich the D-Marin customer experience.

Launched as part of D-Marin’s ‘Connected Marina’ initiative, the app brings together all of D-Marin’s very latest developments in one place and is compatible with all mobile operating systems.

The D-Marin – Premium Marinas

app is a centralised platform for customers to access a personalised hub with all the key information and services they need. It is set to transform the way owners interact with marinas, allowing them to have direct communication with the marina teams, as well as to be able to choose, book and renew marina berths in real-time, make payments and complete check-in procedures remotely, which will significantly reduce waiting times, as well as find out all the latest news, events and special offers at

each location.

The intuitive app also gives customers full control of D-Marin’s Smart Pedestal solution that is being rolled out to its marinas throughout 2023. Customers will no longer need to enter the marina office or queue and wait for energy supply to be activated. Instead, they will have full control of the opening and closing of power sockets and remote measurement of consumption, as well as full control of costs.

Private annual berth-holders

also enjoy maximum safety and security thanks to the D-Marin –Premium Marinas app connecting with D-Marin’s autonomous Boat Sensors, giving round-the-clock monitoring and real-time updates on a vessel’s status, including bilge, heat, battery and location.

The D-Marin App is for both annual and transient customers and can be downloaded via the Apple App and Google Play stores.

D-Marin

info@d-marin.com

www.d-marin.com

Ship-to-shore system

Because large recreational vessels have considerable electrical demands even when docked, the Hubbell Marine 200 amp Ship-to-Shore Device helps deliver safe, reliable power to meet their needs. CSA-certified, it is the only 200 amp marine connection available that is UL listed.

Hubbell Marine four-pole, fivewire 200 amp boat and dockside components are 600V AC/250V DC and 50-400Hz to accommodate the

largest superyacht. Beyond being listed to UL 1682 standards, they are UL Classified for mating to Cooper Crouse-Hinds® Arktite® devices or to Appleton® Powertite® units.

Built to withstand extreme conditions, Hubbell Marine 200 amp devices are water-resistant to Type 3, 4 and 4X standards per UL50. The housing is made of copper-free aluminum with an electrostaticallyapplied epoxy/polyester finish. Its pins and sleeves are made of nickel-plated

Tellurium copper for superior corrosion and heat resistance. The cable clamp captures at four points to provide superior retention and accepts a cord range of #1 AWG to 250 MCM. The interior of the Hubbell Marine 200 Amp Ship-to-Shore Device is interchangeable with other UL 1686 Series C1-listed devices.

Hubbell Marine Electrical Products

custserv@hubbell.com www.hubbell-marine.com

Multi-purpose dock fender

A unique, multi-purpose design allows several different uses with just one product. As standard, the Multi Dock Fender is delivered as a longside fender, but it can very simply be converted into a corner-fender (up to 90 degree bend), both for inside or outside corner protection.

As an option, a Dan-Fender 520

fender may be added for extra vertical protection. This is, for

example, valuable for use on long side quays where tides may change the water level or when different sizes of yachts are moored against the quays.

It is recommended that skippers also hang standard cylindrical fenders on the side of their boat, which she can roll against to avoid

the risk of continuous friction on the same contact spot between the hull and the dock fender.

The Multi Dock Fender is manufactured in white and navy blue.

Dan-Fender info@danfender.com

www.danfender.com

Since 1963 Walcon has proven itself to be a worldwide leader in the design, construction and installation of marinas and berthing facilities, with renowned quality and first class service.

Three designs of boat cradle

Apair of cradles (Code CIR-DU) from Naval Tecno Sud is designed for easy handling of sailing craft, which can be moved quickly and safely in a boatyard by a forklift truck. They are available with either adjustable or fixed tilt and are connected by a coupling bar. Capacities range from 7-100 tons and heights can be customised to

suit specific requirements. Another cradle for transporting sailing boats by a motorised trailer (Code SAT) is useful for optimising space in boatyards and marinas. Capacities range from 10-25 tons, but capacities and dimensions are capable of being changed to meet customers’ needs.

Finally, an H-bar spreader beam with telescopic extensions (Code

High pistonpressure sprayer

The Thor high pressure piston sprayer with petrol engine is built by Larius for heavy duty jobs in boatyards to give a high quality finish on large surfaces in less time, thus saving material by achieving optimum paint thickness at the first pass.

The light, ergonomically-designed L91X spray gun allows consistent atomisation of the product being applied due to the Super Fast Clean

airless nozzles made from tungsten carbide and incorporating stainless steel gaskets. A wide range of flexible airless hoses are available in different lengths and the gun can be equipped with various accessories for a range of tasks. This sprayer is easy to operate, clean and maintain.

Larius Srl larius@larius.com

www.larius.com

BIH) is available for small, medium and large motorboats, as well as sailing craft, including catamarans. The lateral axes are arranged to slide along the central axis to assist in accommodating boats with

different widths. Capacities range from 10-80 tons.

Naval Tecno Sud Srl navaltecnosudboatstand@ gmail.com

www.navaltecnosud.it

WE’RE SWITCHING IT UP FOR 2023.

WE’LL SEE YOU FROM WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY!

WED - 15-11-23

THU - 16-11-23

FRI - 17-11-23

The METSTRADE Show is the world’s largest marine equipment trade show and the only truly international B2B exhibition. With excellent networking opportunities, a broad range of showcased innovations and located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the METSTRADE Show is an unmissable event for every professional in the marine industry.

SIGN UP TODAY

Seawork celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024!

The 25th edition of Europe’s largest commercial marine and workboat exhibition, is a proven platform to build business networks.

Seawork delivers an international audience of visitors supported by our trusted partners.

Seawork is the meeting place for the commercial marine and workboat sector.

12,000m2 of undercover halls feature 400 exhibitors with over 70 vessels, floating plant and equipment on the quayside and pontoons.

Speed@Seawork on Monday 10 June in Cowes offers a sector specific event for fast vessels operating at high speed for security interventions and Search & Rescue.

For more information visit: seawork.com contact: +44 1329 825 335 or email: info@seawork.com

#Seawork

Media partner

The European Commercial Marine Awards (ECMAs) ceremony celebrates individuals and innovative companies on Tuesday 11 June.

The Conference programme, chaired by industry experts, helps visitors to keep up to date with the latest challenges and emerging opportunities.

The Careers & Training Day on Thursday 13 June 2024 delivers a programme focused on careers in the commercial marine industry.

Resounding success for Sydney

Diary of events

Please check websites for up-to-date information before booking hotels or confirming travel plans.

Grand Pavois

La Rochelle, France

20-25 September, 2023

www.grand-pavois.com

Salone Nautico Genoa, Italy

21-26 September, 2023

www.salonenautico.com

The Sydney International Boat Show enjoyed four days celebrating the Australian boating lifestyle at the International Convention Centre Sydney and the Show’s purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour. Total attendance for 2023 was 46,919, which was an increase on last year.

Andrew Fielding, President of the Boating Industry Association (BIA) said, “Boating is a stand-out option in leisure for people from all walks of life, ages and abilities. We’re delighted with the diversity of the offering, quality of the displays and the enthusiasm of the public attending our Show”.

With a total of 233 exhibitors, accounting for 646 boats at the Show, including 220 vessels on the marina representing 82 on-water exhibitors, the largest on-water display since 2018, all available space in the halls and marina was sold out. There were 151 exhibitors showing a

total of 424 boats in the halls. Exhibitors reported significant sales, leading to an anticipated Show turnover in the hundreds of millions of dollars. This reinforces the annual economic value of the boating industry to New South Wales of more than $3 billion. Andrew Fielding concluded, “Our intention this year was to showcase all that is great about recreational boating, with the Show sold out and full to overflowing with boats, gear and accessories”.

The Sydney International Boat Show is presented by the BIA and Mulpha Events, and proudly supported by its Partner in Safety, Transport for NSW, together with official event partners National Storage and Walcon Marine. The Show will take place from 1-4 August, next year.

Sydney International Boat Show info@sydneyboatshow.com.au www.sydneyboatshow.com.au

Harbour Masters to meet at Seawork 2024

The Harbour Masters’ Association of the United Kingdom, The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man (UKHMA)) is to hold its 2024 AGM and Annual Dinner at the 25th edition of Seawork.

Currently celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the UKHMA is a unique professional body consisting of harbour masters, port marine operations officers, harbour managers, commercial bodies that serve the port sector and other appropriate personnel and organisations. Widely acknowledged as a competent partner in the maritime industry throughout the UK, the Association’s wealth of experience is sought after and highly appreciated in many inter-industry forums, working

groups and consultations, including those initiated by the MCA, DfT, MAIB and regional governmental bodies, etc.

Membership consists of harbour masters from ports large and small, both publicly and privatel-owned, and represents a unique source of up-to-date, hands-on experience in a range of port and maritime operations. The AGM and Annual Dinner will take place on Wednesday, 12 June, which is the second day of the three-day Seawork event.

Seawork info@seawork.com www.seawork.com

IBEX

Tampa, USA

3-5 October, 2023

www.ibexshow.com

ICOMIA World Marinas Conference

Vilamoura, Portugal

11-13 October, 2023

www.icomia.org

Salon Nautico

Barcelona, Spain

11-15 October, 2023

www.salonnautico.com

China International Boat Show Xiamen, China

10-13 November, 2023

www.xmboatshow.com

METSTRADE

Amsterdam, The Netherlands 15-17 November, 2023

www.metstrade.com

Abu Dhabi International Boat Show

ADNEC Marina, Abu Dhabi 16-19 November, 2023

www.adibs.ae

Boot Düsseldorf Düsseldorf, Germany

20-28 January, 2024

www.boot.de

Miami International Boat Show Miami, Florida, USA

14-18 February, 2024

www.miamiboatshow.com

Auckland Boat Show Auckland, New Zealand

14-17 March, 2024

www.auckland-boatshow.com