Ask the Expert

In emergencies, being able to quickly and reliably drop anchor is critical for the safety of both the crew and the vessel. For these reasons, it is vital to keep your windlass in good condition with support from a reliable supplier with a strong network. At Maxwell Marine, a VETUS company, we prioritise long-term support, above and beyond providing innovative anchoring equipment for superyachts which functions flawlessly but is also aesthetically pleasing. A swift response whenever maintenance or parts are needed is vital, so we provide global service, with our headquarters in New Zealand and multiple sales offices worldwide. With the right support, you can be sure your anchor windlass will always perform at its best, eliminating delays and enhancing both safety and comfort on board.

Expedition yachts are equipped with larger fuel tanks and more efficient engines, they are able to travel thousands of nautical miles without needing to refuel. Some incorporate hybrid propulsion systems, which combine traditional diesel engines with electric motors. This enhances fuel efficiency and reduces environmental impact, which is really important as many of these yachts explore pristine and ecologically sensitive areas. Kongsberg Maritime brings decades of experience and the company’s integrated systems in energy and power management, advanced position and manoeuvring capability enables captains and owners to explore the most remote areas of the planet in comfort.

Users can opt-in to anonymously share that map across the fleet, access the aggregate map generated from the data of all FarSounder participants, and contribute crowdsourced depth measurements anonymously to Seabed 2030. Seabed 2030 is a global effort to map the world’s oceans, expanding the GEBCO world bathymetry map. The GEBCO map was the brainchild of Prince Albert I of Monaco who started this initiative in 1903. It is compiled from many data sources including hydrographic offices, private organisations, academic institutions, and crowdsourced community contributions. At the latest count, we’ve mapped just over 26% of our oceans. The yachting community has an opportunity to play an important role by participating in the mapping effort.

For a superyacht entering a refit period, the SEA Index provides owners with an easy and unbiased tool to assess energy intensity and carbon emissions – and offers critical guidance on how to improve environmental performance. Based on the IMO’s EEDI / EEXI, our Index has been adapted specifically for the superyacht industry. Upon certification, SEA Index members also benefit from an Options for Improvement document curated by the Lloyd’s Register team who certify on our behalf. This guidance helps owners identify the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions. By empowering yacht owners to make informed decisions, we can help reduce the carbon intensity of the current fleet, and future-proof the global superyacht fleet.

Innovation is key to implementing these strategies. At Wave, R&D programmes and new product design help us reduce environmental impact. New bilge and intelligent waste (grey) water systems have been developed so they require very little maintenance compared to existing technology. Systems are smaller, lighter and alleviate onboard grey water storage which helps more efficient design and operation of the vessel whilst importantly removing overboard pollutants such as oil, plastics, microfibres and phosphates. Most importantly, ensure the waste water from onboard washing machines is filtered, as around a third of microplaslic pollution arises from microfibres released when we wash our clothes.

This capability allows for proactive measures to be taken, such as evasive maneuvers or contacting relevant authorities. Additionally, thermal imaging aids in distinguishing between harmless maritime traffic and potential threats, minimising false alarms and optimising response efforts. Superyacht owners can integrate thermal imaging with other security measures for a comprehensive defense strategy, enhancing the safety of passengers and crew. Furthermore, real-time monitoring and recording capabilities provide valuable evidence for law enforcement in the event of an incident, facilitating swift and effective intervention. In an era of evolving security challenges, the adoption of thermal imaging technology stands as a crucial investment for safeguarding precious assets and ensuring peace of mind.