News

New waterfront offices to open at Rose Bay Marina in Sydney

Call for Speakers for Conference to be held immediately preceding the Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) on Monday 12 November 2012 at the Amsterdam RAI

Marine electronic manufacturer to occupy new location in June 2012

The company said the store will service the Northeast US region

111 is the Italian boatbuilder’s seventh aluminium hull

Arild Pedersen to head up Beta Marine Norway

Layoffs part of an adjustment to match production with demand

Nordic Marine to distribute Australian manufacturer's safety equipment products in Holland and Belgium

Credential to guarantee the company’s commitment to environmental management

UK manufacturer to supply its latest RDE thruster for a new 60m Perini Navi series

Lusty & Blundell to look after UK manufacturer in New Zealand

Nautic Global Group to add 16 new dealers across the USA

BRP, Volvo-Penta and Indmar will participate in testing isobutanol in marine engines as an alternative to gasoline with 15 percent ethanol

Profits hit US$24.9 million for clothing manufacturer

Aluminium Boats Australia had entered into an agreement with Bellingham, Washington, but found a more suitable facility in nearby Anacortes

Singleton Marine Group to join Zodiac’s dealer roster

Partnership to enable UK based Marina Projects to provide consultancy services in the Middle East

Record sales for April for US broker

Maxwell to provide windlass systems for two sloops in build at the Dutch yard

The Italian motorboat producer will handle the management of pre-owned Sanlorenzo boats

Michael Haidinger to join the company's executive board

The Camper & Nicholsons marina was named Best Tourism Investment at the 4th Izmir Tourism Awards

Poor exhibitor interest has led to the cancellation of this year's Cowesfest

She is the yard's largest flagship and Asia's biggest BV Ice Classification yacht

The UK boatbuilder has entered a period of consultation that may lead to 85 job losses

Facing a federal discrimination lawsuit and decision by Broward County's Human Rights Board, Luxury Yacht Group contends the facts of the case have not been adequately presented

The Italian boatbuilder is looking for 360° territory coverage in the US

New orders, production and hiring all accelerated in April

Ayia Napa marina will accommodate craft up to 60m

Lady Petra delivered in time for retirement

The design guru gave a presentation related to his first-ever marina design project in Mallorca last week

Sino Eagle Yacht Co is building a new generation of power catamarans for MarineMax Vacations' charter fleet

The finance firm will be offering all Beneteau Group brand dealers wholesale financing

M5's has been de-stepped in advance of her 13-month refit

After a six-month absence, Denmark's industry association becomes a full ICOMIA member once again

Over 13,000 visitors attended the show on the French Riviera

More than 300 of the available 625 berths have already been taken

CEO of new owner declares personal commitment

The two-day event focuses on three key issues related to superyachts in Asia

The company's exhibit at last week's Shanghai show is part of a push into China, South Korea and other emerging economies in East Asia

The 47m flagship yacht is due for completion in December 2013

The strongest optimism is for new-boat sales growth in smaller boats, while only 10 per cent of dealers expect cruiser sales to grow in the next 12 months

Last week's event was organised by the newly formed Marine Industry Association of South Africa

£10m project to go ahead

Unit sales growth passes five per cent for the month

Andy Roy is a principal of Baker Tilly Isle of Man and director of Bennett Roy Maritime

Two Italian and Norwegian brand to be taken on by Team Marine Turkey

Parkstone Bay Yachts to also represent the Nordship Custom Line division

Navico Shanghai will be a wholly owned subsidiary

Australian builder claims 12 sales in a month after coming out of receivership

Retro-styled Sanlorenzo 38m harks back to transatlantic liners of the '30s

150 delegates expected at 4th Asia-Pacific Superyacht Conference in Singapore from April 25-26

Hydrolift S-28 honoured by Norwegian Design Council

Royal Dutch Touring Club ANWB launches major what it plans to be the largest in-water boat show in Northwest Europe

Thomas Becker joins Danish sailmaker's German dealer network

The state's marinas generate nearly a quarter of Australia's total marina revenues, but also have the most pessimistic outlook when it comes to financial growth

Italy and Greece are named as "hotspots"

Strand Marine to look after the Oceanmaster range in Malta

The case involves 8,354 Volvo Penta engines from model year 2005

The pavilion will located in a central position in the Europe Foyer

More than 120 exhibitors to attend Viareggio event from April 26-29

The Hainan Rendezvous show held last week draws positive feedback

Next year's event will have more boats and a new layout

Energy Team’s purchase of a design package from Defender Oracle Racing is expected to save millions in R&D costs and make the French team more attractive to sponsors

Smeralda Holding deal worth at least €290m

Number of boats registered for the Amsterdam in-water show up by 15 per cent on last year

Rigging manufacturer Petersen Stainless has opened a distribution centre in Sweden. The facility, located near Gothenburg, will service the Scandinavian market.

Danish company to distribute Autotether products in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden

The UK propeller shafting specialist is moving to a new facility in Bilston

Boating conference to be held in Sydney in 2013

Geert Jan Mantel to take on the role at the end of June

UK-based marine locator specialist launches McMurdo Marine System

Six new employees to join UK superyacht broker

World's largest private sailing yacht to be built in Turkey

Italian boatbuilder Overmarine Group has launched the seventh hull of its Mangusta 165 model. The yacht was unveiled at a private event at the boatbuilder’s yard in Viareggio.

Lantic Entertainment Systems, a Danish developer of integrated audio-visual systems for superyachts, has announced that its new international sales strategy will focus on supporting the firm’s network of resellers.

Holland Yacht Experience (HYE), a group of Dutch yacht companies based at Port Canto on the Côte d'Azur in France, has added A de Keizer Elekrotechniek (AdK) to the group.

New floating show to launch this Spring. There will be a new, floating spring boat show in Oslo, Norway this spring, according to boating website Batavisa.no.

Strong sales and over 6,900 visitors at New Jersey-based boat show. Exhibitors at the New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo have reported strong sales at the show, which featured over 200 boats, claim organisers the MTA/NJ.

Two major refit project nearing completion at Dutch yard. Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman is near to completing two major refit projects.

Lack of exhibitors forces closure of 2012 show. The organisers of the Palma International Boat Show have announced that they have cancelled the 29th edition of the event.

Riviera assets has been purchased by Longhurst Marine Holdings Pty Ltd. Australia boatbuilder Riviera has returned to private ownership.

Maria Rodriguez to head up new office and showroom. Deckers Uniforms, a Palma-based supplier of yachtwear to the global yachting market, has opened a new office and showroom in Barcelona, Spain.

Luis Conde receives gold medal in recognition of the show’s 50 years promoting nautical sports. Mayor of Barcelona Xavier Trias has awarded Barcelona International Boat Show president Luis Conde the Gold Medal for Sports Merit.

The Italian shipbuilder says its new facility will be completed by 2017. Fincantieri says it plans to expand its facilities in the the Al Fattan shipyard in Abu Dhabi as part of its Etihad Ship Building (ESB) joint venture.

Nordic Marine will distribute the company's marine fans, cabin heaters and accessories in the Netherlands.

Exhibitors have reported good sales despite a 13 per cent drop in visitor attendance. The 26th Copenhagen International Boat Show (Både i Bella) closed on Sunday with many exhibitors reporting strong sales.

The Rivergate International Boat Show will be held on the Brisbane River in October. A new on-water boat show is to be held this year in Brisbane, Australia.

Draft reduced to allow access into remote locations. The 25th unit of the Benetti Tradition 105 has undergone its technical launch from Benetti's Viareggio yard.

The company has become an authorised dealer for Ferretti's Riva brand in Sweden. Sweden’s Callisma AB has signed an exclusive contract with the Ferretti Group to become an importer and authorised dealer for its Riva brand in Sweden.

Eurotask to distribute Sailmon’s product line of hardware and software for racing yachts. Sailmon GmbH, an Austrian manufacturer of instruments for racing yachts, has appointed Eurotask Ltd as its distributor in the UK.

Scott Cundy to join Reliance Yacht Management office in Queensland. UK yacht management firm Reliance Yacht Management (RYM) has appointed Scott Cundy as its agent for Australia.

Dometic Marine to be preferred supplier for Villaboat International. Villaboat International has selected Dometic Marine as its preferred supplier of marine air conditioning and sanitation systems.

Foreign nationals have been excluded from paying the controversial new tax. UCINA today confirmed that the Italian government has exempted foreign owners of boats and pleasure ships from paying the country's.

Belship BV to look after Scout’s product range in Holland. Scout Marine, an Italian manufacturer of marine antennas, has appointed Belship BV as its dedicated country distributor for Holland.

The UAE-based marina operator will manage the five-star luxury hotel’s marina in Qatar. Mourjan Marinas IGY has signed an agreement to manage the Four Seasons Hotel Doha marina in Qatar.

With more than 50 per cent increasing boat inventories now, dealers are most optimistic about consumer sentiment. But consumer sentiment also remains their biggest concern.

The number of staff at the Dutch company’s UK office has doubled in the last three months. Just three months after opening a UK office in Southampton, Dutch yacht transportation firm Sevenstar has doubled the number of staff.

Six new boats worth US$10.4m sold in Miami. Australian boatbuilder Riviera has reported record sales at the Miami International Yacht and Brokerage Show with six new boats sold at the event.

The US-based yacht brokerage now has 13 in-water slips at Marina Bay, Ft Lauderdale. Denison Yacht Sales in the US has opened a new sales location in its hometown of Ft Lauderdale, Florida.

Venue to host boat show for second year in a row. Saint Giuliano’s Park, in the mainland of Venice, Italy, has been confirmed for the second year as the venue of the Venice International Boat Show.

The New York shipyard blames the economy and a legal battle with Alaska for the Chapter 11 filing. Robert E Derecktor of Mamaroneck, New York, says that it is seeking protection under the Chapter 11 bankruptcy and reorganisation laws.

Sailboat manufacturer to use AGM Gel and Li-Ion batteries supplied by Mastervolt distributor in Hong Kong. On Board Marine Group (OBMG), a Hong Kong-based distributor for Mastervolt, has won preferred supplier status for McConaghy.

Herbert Aly, CEO at Blohm + Voss, told German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that the company could be listed on the stock exchange or sold to a strategic investor in four to five years' time.

Net sales in 2011 grew by 8.9 per cent to €548.5m. Finnish marine companies have reported aggregate net sales of €548.5m for 2011 - an 8.9 per cent increase over 2010.

The former 3M CEO will take the role of chairman in June. Sir George Buckley, retiring CEO of 3M, is to join Arle Capital Partners on June 1 as the group’s new chairman.

But the sales mix remains uneven. Segments like ski-boats, sterndrives and personal watercraft continue to see sales declines. Retail sales of new boats in the US remained steady through January, according to Info-Link Technologies.

UK marine importer to carry West System brand. Wessex Resins & Adhesives has appointed Aquafax as its distributor for West System products.

Hydraulic jack plates manufacturer Detwiler sold by MarineTech Products. Teleflex Marine has acquired Detwiler Industries, from MarineTech Products, Inc.

US cleaning chemical manufacturer has acquired Zing Ahead brand. Nyco Products Inc. has acquired Manufacturers' Sales Agency and its marine cleaning brand Zing Ahead.

Dubai-based boatbuilder completes first hull of its 41 metre yacht. Gulf Craft has launched its first hull of the Majesty 135 design.

CEO Eisenberg: "Focused strategies position us very well for 2012". West Marine today reported sales of US$113.4m for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011, an increase of 5.7 per cent compared to the same period a year ago.

The Swedish yard received the highest overall score in a survey by German boat magazine Yacht.

First J-class yacht with hybrid propulsion. Holland Jachtbouw has launched the J-class yacht Rainbow at its yard in the Netherlands.

The yacht sank off the coast of Greece last Friday. Following the sinking of the 60m (197ft) superyacht Yogi off the coast of Greece last Friday, Proteksan Turquoise, the yacht’s builder, has released an official statement.

Event is organised by British Leisure Show to celebrate Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Organisers of the British Leisure Show have unveiled plans for a Boat & Leisure Festival in Cowes on the UK's Isle of Wight.

MBrands’ Magic Marine distribution network to carry marine line of Lizard footwear. Lizard Footwear has teamed up with MBrands International to distribute Lizard’s product range of offshore and coastal boots and shoes.

The 6.5m sportsboat is the smallest in the Four Winns range of cuddy cabins. The Four Winns S215 from US shipyard Four Winns has won the 2012 Croatian Boat of the Year award on behalf of online yachting magazine nauCAT.

Discounted ‘early bird’ stand reservation to end by March 1. METS’ organisers have announced the deadline for its ‘early bird” stand reservation approaches.

The Italian motorboat builder is moving its commercial, marketing and administrative departments to Cividate al Piano next month.

But business was strong throughout its nine-day run. This year’s Helsinki International Boat Show saw a slight drop in visitor attendance, although business was strong throughout the show.

Cerri-Gruppo Baglietto will oversee the construction of several new models. French yacht-builder the Rodriguez Group today announced that it has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with the Cerri-Gruppo Baglietto shipyards.

Wintry weather conditions and the economic turmoil in the Italian market are alleged to be responsible for limited visitors. The 10th edition of the Italian Sea and Technology trade show Seatec in Carrara.

The products ranged from a propane-powered outboard to a pontoon boat with a wine rack. Thirteen companies were handed Innovation Awards at an industry breakfast at the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail.

The company says its focus on larger yachts will push back sales gains until the second and third quarter. The Rodriguez Group reported sales of €13.9m for its first fiscal quarter ended December 31

The Yacht Works to carry the Italian brand in its Wisconsin and Florida retail locations. The Italian builder Cranchi has signed The Yacht Works as a US dealer. The Yacht Works has retail locations in Door County, Wisconsin, and Ft Lauderdale, Florida.

Higher demand for outboards in Russia, Central and South America, and the USA helped lift global marine sales. Yamaha Motor Co Inc said sales in its marine division rose 7.1 per cent to ¥178.9bn for its fiscal year ended December 31.

French rigging repair company Gremco to distribute Navtec products in France. French specialist in rigging repair for yachts Gremco has signed an agency agreement with US manufacturer of rigging equipment Navtec.

Ferropilot to look after Tallon’s range of mounting solutions and accessories in Germany. New Zealand accessories manufacturer Tallon has appointed marine electronics distributor Elektro-Navigation Schick & Co. GmbH

Unless invited to manage another US company, Buckley is thought likely to return to his native UK. 3M has named a new chief executive, Inge Thulin, to replace Sir George Buckley on June 1st.

Finnish yacht builder to join International Maxi Association race programme. Finnish boatbuilder Nautor’s Swan has partnered with International Maxi Association (IMA), a yacht racing body recognised by the International Sailing Federation, ISAF.

Patrik Elfwing takes on his position in April. Swedish outdoors specialist Silva has chosen Patrik Elfwing as the group’s new CEO, effective April 1, 2012. Elfwing succeeds Lars Gullikson, who is stepping down after 13 years in the position.

Australia's Superior Jetties to build marina and pontoon in Asia and the Middle East. Marina and pontoon manufacturer Superior Jetties has won several new installation contracts spanning Asia to the Middle East.

Exhibitors have reported good business opportunities at this year’s show. The number of visitors at last week’s Gothenburg Boat Show in Sweden was down 18 per cent to 66,200 people, but exhibitors reported good business nonetheless.

Around 72 jobs are to go as UK yacht-builder cuts back in production and office-based staff. UK boatbuilder Sealine International announced on Friday that it is restructuring its workforce following

British design student Daniel Humphreys wins top prize. British design student Daniel Humphreys, from Plymouth University, has won the Abitare La Barca Concept Award design competition.

The UK boatbuilder has already sold three Discovery 57 sailing yachts ahead of its September launch.

Gozdem Marin will represent the brand in Turkey. Czech boat manufacturer Minicat has chosen Gozdem Marin as its Turkish dealer.

Hogenelst Superyacht Interiors joins the Dutch group. Holland Yacht Experience (HYE), a group of Dutch yacht companies based at Port Canto on the Côte d'Azur in France, has added Hogenelst Superyacht Interiors to the group.

Berths for yachts over 140m will be available next month. Croatia’s first superyacht marina has added 79 berths for yachts over 140m (459ft). The new berths will be ready for mooring at Mandalina Marina, in Sibenik on the Dalmatian coast, from March 2012.

The engine was tested at a temperature of -21°C. Vetus NV in the Netherlands has announced that the Vetus M4.55 engine recently gained SOLAS certification.

Lange will represent the company's brands in Scandinavia. Grand Large Yachting in France has appointed Lange Maritime to represent the company’s brands in Scandinavia.

Exclusive event is by invitation only. From April 28-30, 2012, the first 'Mallorca Superyacht Days' will take place at Port Adriano in Palma de Mallorca. The island's main yacht brokers will attend the event.

The marine insurance provider will sponsor the event for another three years. Marine insurance provider Pantaenius has renewed a three-year sponsorship agreement with the Superyacht Cup regatta in Palma.

Stevens will retire as head of the British Marine Federation later this year. The British Marine Federation (BMF) has announced that Rob Stevens is to step down as chief executive of the UK trade association after six and a half years in the role.

Vessels up to 92m could be accommodated. The James Watt Dock Marina in Greenock, Scotland, which opened in July last year, is already looking to expand and market its facilities for superyachts.

Exide Technologies will deliver advanced marine batteries for BJT’s factories in Poland and France. Beneteau, Jeanneau, Technology (BJT) has chosen Exide Technologies as its main supplier of boat batteries.

After a one-year hiatus, Croatia's Adriatic Boat Show returns to Mandalina Marina in May.

WaterMota Romania to represent Hyundai SeasAll range of engines. South-Korean marine diesel engine manufacturer Hyundai SeasAll has appointed WaterMota Romania to represent the brand in that country.

Luca Lucheschi to work alongside Nautor’s Swan managing director Enrico Chieffi. Nautor’s Swan has appointed Luca Lucheschi as its commercial director for 2012. Lucheschi will be working alongside managing director, Enrico Chieffi.

European Patent Office accepts patent application for CMC’s electrical fin stabilization system. CMC Marine has been awarded a European patent for its electrical fin stabilization system Stabilis Electra.

ScanMarine DK to look after Sea-Fire product line in Denmark. Marine fire suppression manufacturer Sea-Fire has appointed ScanMarine DK as its new distributor in Denmark.

Hong-Kong based yacht builder to launch Mediterranean dealership. Yacht builder Cheoy Lee has appointed Cheoy Lee Riviera as its first independent dealership in Europe.

Net sales were down by four per cent in Q4 2011.

Waterfront NL will provide learning resources to promote sustainable waterfront developments worldwide.

DFD Marine to represent Austrian yacht-builder on UK market. Austrian boatbuilder Sunbeam Yachts has appointed DFD Marine Ltd as its representative for the UK market.

Six Swan models due for delivery in 2012 and early 2013. Finnish sailboat and yachtbuilder Nautor’s Swan has announced that six new models are due for delivery during 2012 and early 2013.

Roberto Zambrini to head up the Savona-based yachtbuilder. Italian yachtbuilder Mondo Marine SpA has named Roberto Zambrini as its new chief executive officer. Zambrini will also be the CEO for Mondo Marine Engineering Srl.

The Dutch yard can now build superyachts of up to 190ft in length. Offering a maximum lift of 1,000 tonnes, the new slipway at Hakvoort Shipyards allows the Netherlands-based facility to build superyachts of 58m x 11m.

Fourth quarter sales are down by 29 per cent. Scania, the Swedish manufacturer of marine and industrial engines, trucks and buses, has reported a 29 per cent drop in fourth quarter profits.

Monaco boatbuilder to represent Jarrett Bay's custom boat range in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Spencer Ship Monaco has signed an international representation agreement with Jarrett Bay Boatworks.

Italian marine service Sailornet to handle aftersales services for Cantiere delle Marche. Marine services provider Sailornet has teamed up with Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) in Ancona, Italy, to provide aftersales services exclusively for CdM yacht owners.

Good business results were seen in nearly all segments of the market. The 2012 Düsseldorf International Boat Show closed on Sunday with visitor numbers down by just 1.5 per cent to 246,700 people.

Stephane Cordeille to take over the manufacturer of marine refrigeration and sanitation products.

Guillermo Poggi to head Consorcio Parque Nautico, home of the country’s boat show. Argentina’s boating and marina holding Consorcio Parque Nautico has named Guillermo Poggi as its president.

Sales were up eight per cent to £3m in 2010/11. UK-based marine equipment specialist ASAP Supplies Ltd has reported a record year, with 2010/11 turnover up eight per cent to £3m.

Latest business performance research shows a drop in total revenue of 2.1 per cent compared to 2009/10.

The French company expects boat sales to be down 10.7 per cent to €620m.

William Griffiths has been named managing director while James Bursey takes role of executive vice chairman.

Viking Sport Cruisers has renewed its partnership with CGI Finance

The system was developed by eight companies in cooperation with the Swedish Marine Technology Forum.

Superyachts up to 85m welcome.

A fire last night at the Sunreef facility in Gdansk Shipyard destroyed one yacht under construction and damaged others in the facility. A Sunreef spokesperson said the fire was under investigation, but there were no injuries.

Marstrand Yachts on Sweden’s west coast has been made an exclusive importer of the J/Boats series of sailing yachts in Norway and Sweden.

UK boatbuilder Sealine has named Jason Hudson as general manager of its office in Mallorca. Hudson is to be based in Alcudia.

Paul Madeley has joined the Global Services team in Palma de Mallorca to support both operational yachts and refit projects in the area.

Mandalina Marina is expanding its berthing facility to accomodate superyachts of up to 140m (459ft) in length. Berths will be provided with electricity power of up to 600 Amps on safe berthing conditions.

The UK’s Marina Developments Limited (MDL Marinas) has joined the ICOMIA Marinas Group (IMG) with immediate effect.

Organisers have announced that exhibitor and sponsorship slots for the annual Hainan Rendez-Vous 2012 have entirely sold out.

Ocean Signal has appointed A Bordo Group as its dedicated distributor in Italy. A Bordo will be responsible for distributing Ocean Signal’s entire SafeSea range across the country.

ICOMIA, supported by IMCI, is offering a free scantlings calculator to boatbuilders to help comply with the ISO (Small Craft) Scantling standard.

Rhode Island-based Hunt Yachts has appointed Barry Bailey as its Asia-Pacific representative. Bailey is based in Queensland, Australia.

The Taiwan Yacht Industry Association (TYIA) has been approved as a full member of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA).

Marine distress signal manufacturer Chemring Marine has named DLV Corporation as its distributor in Vietnam. The company is to look after the Comet range of products.

The UK’s Discovery Yachts has announced the sale of its first three Discovery 57 blue-water cruising yachts.

Turkey’s METYX Composites has announced that a new, state-of-the-art MAX 5 carbon reinforcement production line is soon to be operating at the company’s headquarters in Istanbul and at its new facility in Manisa.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) says it plans to hold a new in-water boat show at the new 31st Street Harbor from June 7-12, 2012.

Italy’s Sessa Marine has appointed Lysmarine AB as its new distributor in Sweden. The company is based in Lysekil on the Swedish west coast, just north of Gothenburg.

E-navigation company Navtor has appointed Tor A. Svanes as its managing director.

Superyacht Australia (SYBA), the peak body for the Australian superyacht sector, has merged with the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX).

Johnson Outdoors says it has reached an out-of-court settlement with Navico Inc regarding a patent infringement case. A statement says the two companies have resolved their dispute relating to Johnson Outdoors’ patented Humminbird Side Imaging sonar

Yacht glass manufacturer Trend Marine and boatbuilder Sealine are working together in a joint engineering project to block harmful rays from the sun.

French yacht builder Arcoa has plans to expands its shipyard and re-launch the ACM brand alongside new models in the next couple of years, following a capital injection of over $2.5m (€2m) made by financial company DLJ,

Isle of Man-based yachting brokerage firm Moore Stephens has appointed Kathy Kennedy as its executive vice president. She will be based in the firm’s US offices.

Bavaria Yachts says it intends to open three “factory-direct” retail locations in the US by the end of 2012. The company opened its first factory store in Annapolis, Maryland last year.

Communications and safety at sea specialist Ocean Signal has appointed Belship BV as its distributor in Holland.

UK manufacturer Offshore Systems has reported a 45 per cent gain in sales during the last 12 months. The company has also announced a net profit rise of 51 per cent compared to 2010.

A majority stake in the Ferretti Group has been acquired by the Shandong Heavy Industry Group-Weichai Group, according to a statement and press conference today in Jinan, China. Shandong Heavy's total investment will be €374m.

The winners of the UK’s 2012 Motor Boat of the Year awards were announced at a gala ceremony at London’s Savoy Hotel last night.

US marine hardware manufacturer Schaefer Marine has appointed Southampton based Sea-Sure Limited as its sole distributor for all their product ranges in the United Kingdom.

The UK’s Fairline Boats is expanding its Eastern Mediterranean dealer network with the opening of an authorised Fairline dealer office in Beirut, Lebanon this month.

Linssen Yachts has started manufacturing from its new 1.2 hectare interior construction facility. The Dutch boatbuilder bought the facility from Westrom last year.

Dave Mallach replaces Dirk Boehmer as director of sales. Vicem Yachts has named Dave Mallach as its new head of sales in the US. Mallach, who is now Vicem Yachts USA director of sales, replaces Dirk Boehmer.

Finnish motorboat builder TerhiTec Oy has announced that its sister company, Oy Brandt Ab, is to handle the sales and marketing of its Terhi, Silver and Sea Star boat brands.

Finland’s Bella-Veneet Oy has acquired MV-Marin’s six-model range of boats, including all moulds and manufacturing rights.

Spring Brook Marina to represent French boatbuilder in the Great Lakes region. French boatbuilder Prestige Yachts has appointed Spring Brook Marina as it exclusive dealer in the United States.

Oliver Winbolt takes on the role in March. The UK’s Fairline Boats has appointed Oliver Winbolt as the group’s new head of marketing, effective March 1, 2012.

Aura S.J. is based in Szczecin. The UK’s Oceanair Marine has named Aura S.J. as its new distributor in Poland.

James Grazebrook honoured for services to the UK marine industry. James Grazebrook, chairman of UK-based exhaust manufacturer Halyard Marine (M&I) Ltd, has been given an OBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List

The Palma-based yachtwear supplier has appointed a new agent representative in Holland. Deckers Uniforms has appointed Superyacht Spares in the Netherlands as its new agent representative.

This year's event in Cannes, France has been postponed until April 2013. Reed Exhibitions has announced that its first-ever Yacht Brokerage Festival has been postponed until the spring of 2013.

WaterMota will represent the company's marine product line. Dutch power and propulsion specialist WhisperPower has chosen WaterMota Ltd to serve as its exclusive marine distributor in the UK.

The two companies will collaborate on the benefits and privileges offered to berth holders. UAE-based boat distributor and marina operator ART Marine has signed an agreement with Thailand’s Royal Phuket Marina to collaborate and enhance the benefits

The Italian equipment maker, which received more than C$3m in provincial aid, pares its workforce back to one. Opacmare Americas has laid off all of its staff except one