Ask the Expert
In each edition of ONBOARD Magazine, we talk to four experts in their fields about common issues on board superyachts and how their products and services can deliver the required solutions.
Can thermal cameras lower the risk of lithium-ion battery fires?
Thermal monitoring cameras such as the FLIR AX8, allow continuous monitoring of temperature conditions in a variety of facilities so it can be installed within the toy garage, offering owners and crew the chance to be alerted earlier to any warning signs.
Its temperature range is -10 to 150 degrees Celsius and has thermal sensitivity of just 100mK, so temperature variations of as little as 0.1 degree Celsius are displayed. Its field of 46˚ x 37˚ also enables a larger area to be monitored at the same time if you have a plethora of toys stored in one place. The difference the camera gives is time. You’re not waiting for smoke to be detected, the change in temperature will sound the alarm long before that stage, giving valuable minutes to ensure the safety of those on board as well as the opportunity to extinguish the problem.
Is sustainable operation a key consideration when selecting a marina?
Marinas are uniquely placed, as gatekeepers to our oceans, to make a lasting and significant contribution in protecting our waters and coastlines for future generations.
As a dedicated marina development, we had the advantage of incorporating many green initiatives within the design from the start, such as a solar energy plant, ecological and recycling strategies, on-site nurseries and vegetable gardens to supply our restaurant, and the use of ecological materials and accessories in the hotel and outlets. Karpaz Gate Marina is proud to reach TYHA Clean Marina standard this year proving our ongoing commitment in this aspect of our operations. I am seeing today that our berth holders and clients expect and demand us to provide the tools which allow them to respect and protect the marina environment, It is increasingly clear that sustainability is a competitive aspect of our business.
How does choosing the right water toys enhance the onboard experience?
Choosing the right water toys, can greatly enhance a yacht experience. High quality, cleverly designed products remove stress for the crew and guests alike.
Started by a group of water sport enthusiasts within VETUS, the team behind YellowV was inspired to do things differently from the outset. Born from a respect and love for the water, products are designed with both style and longevity in mind, premium valves and robust materials challenge the throwaway culture, especially associated with smaller water toys. The latest addition to the range, iBODY board 42 “CRUMBLE” is a perfect example, and an excellent replacement for the environmentally disastrous polystyrene boards, and a much better performing, environment- conscious product. Also, all YellowV packing boxes are unbleached and unnecessary plastic is removed and recycled before distribution
How efficient are the new climate control systems onboard yachts?
Air conditioning demands one of the biggest power draws onboard and there has been a growing requirement for technology advancements to improve the efficiency of these systems for leisure craft.
The technology around the speed management of new systems such as the Dometic Voyager Series TX, enables a reduction in the power draw by around 40% compared to other air conditioning units, making it one of the most efficient systems on the market today, that we can offer for the retrofit sector. This innovation is achieved by regulating the compressor speed according to the needs of the individual vessel and its current use. Where once temperature requirements have been met, the speed is reduced thus resulting in a more efficient and quieter operation. This unit offers variable speed air conditioning and is an integrated unit supplying both air conditioning and heating to vessels.
Can technology from the shipping industry reduce emissions and manage biofouling?
Managing biofouling on ships has long been a challenge, with an increasing focus on robotic technology to provide cost effective, scalable solutions.
The shipping industry is moving to robotic technology for fast, efficient hull cleaning services, removing the need for dry docking, or deploying human divers at higher risk and cost. Biofouling is not only a challenge in the commercial shipping world, with the impacts of biofouling equally felt in the superyacht industry, including hull depreciation through aggressive maintenance activities, increased emissions contributing to higher fuel burn and costs, and the negative environmental impact, including the risk of invasive marine species transfer. Increasingly the superyacht industry is looking to build and operate in a more sustainable way, and having a small, resident hull cleaning robot onboard is the next step towards this.
How do new AIS-equipped EPIRBS and PLBS improve safety for yacht owners and crew?
Leveraging both the global response capabilities of Cospas-Sarsat rescue services and AIS technology, AIS EPIRBs and PLBs are a significant advance in marine safety.
These 406MHz beacons provide an advanced and powerful tool for alerting nearby AIS-equipped vessels of a beacon position, or a boat- to-boat rescue situation, for immediate aid. The AIS position is also transmitted with enhanced resolution compared to the 406MHz message. Delivering the highest chance of rapid local or global rescue, the devices ensure increased speed of response to aid in an emergency. At Ocean Signal, our new compact AIS EPIRBs and PLBs devices combine additional integrated technologies for the first time. The units include Galileo Return Link Service compatibility, so survivors can now expect to receive confirmation that their distress call has been received.