Eastern Promise

Western Australian ship builders look to the Middle East for expansion.

Western Australian boat builders Austal have recently extended their reach to the northern hemisphere by establishing a maintenance hub on the Strait of Gibraltar.

The move follows the latest Austal expansion into the Middle East and Gulf States region with the creation of service hubs in Egypt and Oman, the award of a contract for the maintenance of seven large high-speed craft with Oman's National Ferries Company and a regional office in the United Arab Emirates to open in the coming months.

On the establishment of the Strait of Gibraltar service hub, Bob Browning, Austal's Managing Director commented, "this strategic move positions Austal near a region with high demand for vessel maintenance and management services."

With this progression into such vital territory Austal, the world's largest fast ferry builder, claims it can provide one of the most substantial product and service networks of any global shipbuilder.

Winning Design

High praise for Oceanco at Asia Boating Awards.

The Sydney-based company has developed the Fairline Private Yacht Syndication (FPYS) service promising a level of service and quality not currently available in the market.

Plaudits continued to flow in for respected ship-builders Oceanco recently with a Best Custom Built Yacht (150ft and Up) win at the 2010 Asia Boating Awards for Vibrant Curiosity, one of the Dutch yard's latest launches.

Sharing the same Y-Series Hull with 3 previous sister ships, including the stunning Alfa Nero, herself one of the most praised and applauded Superyachts of recent times, Vibrant Curiosity impressed the panel at the Awards with her innovative Nuvolari-Lenard design, a distinguishing exterior characteristic of which is the triple vertical glass window strip spanning three deck levels amidships—a feature never before seen on a Superyacht.

Other features less obvious to the casual observer, such as a sea monitoring system (which scrutinizes levels of pollution) exemplifies Oceanco's commitment to the environment and certainly struck a chord with judges.

With award after award being garnered on each consecutive launch, particularly with the phenomenally successful Y-Series vessels, Oceanco has certainly gained the yachting world's attention. As long as the yard continues to push design and engineering boundaries the success seems likely to continue.

A Sanctuary in tough times

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show survives the storm

Australia's increasing importance as a player in the global marine industry was well reflected by the 2010 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, held between May 20th and 23rd. After 2 years of financial uncertainty, there was talk in the stands of a regional economic upswing, and the numbers certainly did little to dent this claim.

This year's show attracted 414 exhibitors, up on the 406 who attended the 2009 show, a small increase perhaps but significant nonetheless considering the tough times from which the industry is currently emerging.

As in previous years, the strength of the show rests on the large selection of vessels on display, with almost 200 boats in the water alone, ranging from trailable launches to multimillion dollar offerings from names as well respected as Princess, Sunseeker and Riviera. The vast array of supplies on offer went without saying, with 98 global and Australian marine product releases that kept reported visitor numbers of up to 50,000 occupied.

As well as the obvious benefits created for the regional marine industry, a survey of the 2008 Show found that event generated more than $310 million for the Gold Coast economy and there's no reason to doubt that the 2010 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will not produce similar reimbursement.

VCrown jewels

Kingship reign with a successful formula.

As trade and industry continues to move from traditional global areas towards Asia, China has once again proved it can hold it's own against more established yacht manufacturers in Europe and North America with the launch of Kingship's second Magellan 110.

After the success of the first yacht of this class, launched in 2007, Kingship once again turned to the same team of experienced designers, architects and engineers to repeat the procedure.

The second Magellan 110, project KS005, boasts a new 1.5 metre extension of the Sky Lounge, allowing the owner more interior space. Power by two-3406E DITA Caterpillar, KS005 can make 14 knots with a range of 5000 nm.

Accommodation comprises a spacious master bedroom on the main deck and 4 guest cabins below.

Traditionally built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, she will be finished to Lloyd's + 100 A1 standard and is MCA compliance, reinforcing the reputation Kingship has built as a world-class yacht manufacturer.