Stabilisation and design
Sam Crockford, Managing Director of CMC Marine Ltd. takes a look at the present and future of yacht stabilisation
In the dynamic world of luxury yachting, comfort and innovation are paramount. As vessels grow more tech nologically advanced and owners demand a seamless cruising experience, marine equipment manufacturers are challenged to stay ahead.
Among the leaders in this space is CMC Marine, a trailblazer in yacht stabilisation systems for both new-buildings and the refit market. With its already vast yet growing international presence, CMC Marine has become synonymous with precision engineering, reliability and onboard comfort. The company boasts a rich legacy of over 3000 installations spanning the past 20 years alone offering a portfolio of solutions that include stabiliser fins, thrusters and complete steering systems. In the 18 to 60 metre yacht segment, CMC Marine has a remarkable market share of over 50%.
STABILISATION AT THE CORE
At the heart of CMC Marine’s business is its advanced stabilisation technology, the Stabilis Electra™ system, the first electrically actuated fin stabiliser for yachts. Unlike traditional hydraulic systems, Stabilis Electra uses advanced electrical AC synchronous drive technology for a quieter, faster and more energy-efficient solution. It reduces roll motion both underway and at anchor, making it a sensible choice among yacht owners and shipyards focused on performance and comfort along with significantly easier maintenance which is directly linked to lower costs.
This patented electric system set a new industry standard when it was introduced, offering more precise control, lower maintenance requirements and a significantly reduced environmental footprint. Over the years, CMC Marine has expanded its product line to include a greater range of fin sizes and configurations for yachts ranging from 18 to over 90 metres in length in both 2 and 4-fin configurations.
Stabilis Electra is available in either the HS range which caters to fast yachts or the LR range which has been specifically developed for displacement type yachts. Both ranges deliver excellent stabilisation without compromising performance.
INNOVATION MEETS INTEGRATION
As yachts become more complex, the integration of onboard systems is crucial. CMC Marine has responded with multiple innovations including Argo, an intelligent control system that allows full integration of the stabilisation, steering and thruster components. Argo uses adaptive algorithms to anticipate and respond to vessel movement in real time, resulting in a smooth, natural motion that significantly enhances onboard comfort as well as reduces fuel consumption by reducing zig-zagging when the auto-pilot is engaged.
CMC Marine’s integrated system DALI is an intuitive interface with the yacht’s MFD based display system allowing for a centralised and aesthetically clean dashboard, an increasingly important feature.
EXPANDING PRESENCE IN THE REFIT MARKET
While new builds remain a major part of CMC Marine’s business, the company is also heavily invested in the refit and retrofit market, a sector experiencing robust growth as yacht owners look to upgrade older vessels with modern systems. Many yachts built over the past two decades are prime candidates for stabilisation upgrades, especially given the rising expectations of owners and charter guests alike for the comfort from a modern stabilisation system regardless of the age of the yacht.
Refitting a yacht with CMC Marine stabilisers can dramatically enhance resale value and usability. The fact that CMC Marine’s systems are electrically powered is particularly attractive in retrofit scenarios, as it simplifies installation by eliminating the need for hydraulic lines, pumps and reservoirs. This means less disruption to existing structures or finding real estate for large pieces of hardware meaning lower installation costs and faster turnaround times at shipyards.
CMC’s team of engineers collaborates closely with the shipyard to provide solutions that meet both technical constraints and owner expectations. The company’s growing global service network ensures support before, during and after installation, further bolstering its appeal in the retrofit arena.
SUSTAINABILITY AND EFFICIENCY
Modern yacht owners are more environmentally aware than ever before. CMC Marine’s electric systems align with this ethos, offering a greener alternative to traditional hydraulic stabilisers. Not only do they have zero oil usage and therefore zero risk of oil spills, but they also consume less energy, especially at anchor, where power conservation is vital. With no oil or filters to change, there are no complications or costs in disposing of toxic waste products year on year.
In addition, CMC Marine’s technology contributes to reduced noise and vibration, increasingly important factors in luxury yacht design. This combination of efficiency, sustainability and performance makes CMC Marine a go-to choice for environmentally conscious yacht owners and shipyards focused on future-proof solutions.
LOOKING AHEAD
CMC Marine shows no signs of slowing down. With new product lines under development and continued investment in smart systems and AI-driven control platforms, the company is poised to lead the next generation of marine stabilisation.
For more details email: [email protected] or visit www.cmcmarine.com
