Retail Price News

Seakeeper has launched two new gyrostabilizer models the Seakeeper 10.5 and the Seakeeper 14, designed for vessels ranging from 50 feet to 68 feet long.The Seakeeper 10.5, engineered for boats 50-62 feet, evolved from its two predecessors, the Seakeeper 9 and the inaugural M7000 and offers 17% more angular momentum in 23% less volume.The Seakeeper 14, suited for boats 55-68 feet, bridges a gap in the current lineup between the Seakeeper 9 and the Seakeeper 18. The new model is is 43% smaller and 33% lighter than the Seakeeper 18.

Much like the coronavirus pandemic, and the economic disruption that it has caused, a global shipping crisis looks set to go on delaying goods traffic and fueling inflation well into 2023.Shipping rarely figures in economists' inflation and GDP calculations, and companies tend to fret more about raw materials and labor costs than transportation. But that might be changing.The cost of shipping a 40-foot container (FEU) unit has eased some 15% from record highs above $11,000 touched in September, according to the Freightos FBX index.

The lucrative prospect of transporting COVID-19 vaccines by sea has intensified the spotlight on the maritime industry’s cold supply chain and its ability to carry high-value pharmaceuticals.At present, speed to market is critical to stemming the spread of the pandemic, so the vaccines are being shipped by air to international destinations. Delivering them by sea is a longer-term strategy; certainly, the present urgency would have to calm considerably before enough confidence could be built to support delivery times in weeks…

The lucrative prospect of transporting COVID-19 vaccines by sea has intensified the spotlight on the maritime industry’s cold supply chain and its ability to carry high-value pharmaceuticals.At present, speed to market is critical to stemming the spread of the pandemic, so the vaccines are being shipped by air to international destinations. Delivering them by sea is a longer-term strategy; certainly, the present urgency would have to calm considerably before enough confidence could be built to support delivery times in weeks…

Ocean Signal has developed a compact Category 1 (auto-deploy) Emergency Position Indicating Rescue Beacon – the SafeSea EPIRB1 Pro.The new EPIRB1 Pro features a 30 percent reduction in size compared to other EPIRBs, a 10-year battery life and a retail price that makes it one of the most affordable EPIRBs on the market.Providing an essential link to emergency services for both recreational and commercial vessels, the Ocean Signal beacon complies with IMO regulations that require…

After Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico with devastating force on September 20, 2017, a number of news reports claimed that the Jones Act had severely damaged the Puerto Rican economy, both over time and in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Now a new report examining the role of the Jones Act shipping industry before, in the immediate aftermath of and in the months that followed the hurricane asserts that the Jones Act fleet delivers a dedicated and reliable flow of goods…

Crude oil exports in the first half of 2017 increased by more than 300,000 barrels per day (b/d) from the first half of 2016, a 57% increase. Petroleum product exports grew over the same period as well. Crude oil and propane exports each reached record highs of 0.9 million b/d, and distillate exports reached a record of 1.3 million b/d. Although crude oil exports during the period grew, the growth rate in the first half of 2017 was lower than in the first halves 2013, 2014, and 2015 when exports increased at year-over-year rates of 88%, 134%, and 70%, respectively. Following the removal of restrictions on exporting U.S. crude oil in December of 2015, crude oil exports have been characterized by greater volatility.

PDQ’s OneSource System provides long range cell, wi-fi and high definition TV in one system for mobile users. San Diego wireless company PDQ Connect has developed the OneSource system to provide cellular and wi-fi service, as well as HDTV using one antenna and one cable connection for all three services. The new system gives mobile users long range voice and data and cost free high definition TV. Features of the OneSouce system include 3G and 4G cell boost up to 20 miles for all carriers…

The Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) released on August 11 forecasts that North Sea Brent crude oil prices will average $54 per barrel (b) in 2015 and $59/b in 2016, which is $6/b and $8/b lower than projected in last month’s STEO, respectively (Figure 1). The price decline reflects concerns about lower economic growth in emerging markets, expectations of higher oil exports from Iran, and continuing growth in global inventories. WTI prices are expected to average $5/b below Brent in both 2015 and 2016. EIA’s updated projection remains subject to significant uncertainties as the oil market moves toward balance. During this period of price discovery, oil prices could experience periods of heightened volatility.

Weego launched the compact and portable Jump Starter Battery+ for the marine market. Weego is pocket sized and capable of starting boats, cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs and more, as well as charging phones, tablets, speakers and other USB devices. Easy to use, each Weego model includes jumper cables that can be attached to the terminals of a dead battery. Easy to follow instructions are printed on the back for quick reference. To start, boaters simply connect the clamps to the battery terminals, connect the cable to the Jump Starter Battery+, turn the power on and start the engine.

The rescueME EPIRB1 has been developed by Ocean Signal. Featuring a 30% reduction in size compared to other EPIRBs, a 10-year battery life and a retail price that makes it one of the most affordable Class 2 GPS EPIRBs in the market, the rescueME EPIRB1 provides the boat’s essential link to emergency services. The new rescueME EPIRB1 measures just 178mm (height with antenna stowed) by 89mm and weighs 422g. The EPIRB1 is designed to be automatically activated once the unit has been immersed in water.

A review of the ferry industry’s latest challenges and opportunities attracted a record 340 delegates to Vancouver last week for the 39th annual Interferry conference. The global trade association event exposed a string of concerns – notably over punitive safety and environmental regulations – but also highlighted the financial potential of new routes, onboard shopping incentives and the use of LNG fuel. Alongside sessions on the future of the industry, Canada-based CEO Len Roueche outlined a vision for maintaining Interferry’s influential lobbying role among politicians and regulators.

"This move is a long-term investment for us and underlines our commitment to Aberdeen and our customers in the area," said David Currie, Aker Solutions' regional head in the UK. Aker Solutions explains that the facility is under development and will consist of three interconnected buildings in the Aberdeen International Business Park on Dyce Drive, the main route between Aberdeen's city center and international airport. The complex will total about 31,100 square meters (334,713 square feet) of office space and related facilities, including a fitness center with squash courts, catering facilities, a nursery, medical facilities and an auditorium. It constitutes the first phase of the park's development and is expected to be ready for occupation in the second quarter of 2015.

MagicEzy, Australian manufacturer of new MagicEzy9-Second Chip Fix, MagicEzyHairline Fix and MagicEzyMega Fusionboat surface repair products, has announced that American marine outfitter Defender Industries is now offering its products nationwide through its website, mail order catalog and 110,000-square-foot warehouse outlet store in Waterford, Connecticut. A marine outfitter since 1938, Defender offers an array of products covering every aspect of boating equipment, gear and supplies. With roots in the U.S.

A new, fully IMO certified Integrated Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) navigation system has been announced today, the Simrad CS68 Integrated ECDIS, designed specifically for the commercial market. The Simrad CS68 Integrated ECDIS system offers direct access to key dedicated navigation capabilities. Installation and customization options are virtually endless, depending on the particular configuration of a vessel. Available in two screen sizes, the CS68 19-inch model has a 5:4 aspect ratio for streamlined retrofitting.

Heavy-duty and commercial vessels demand durable lighting capable of withstanding punishing conditions. The new HypaLUME LED floodlight from Hella marine is specifically designed to meet the rigors of any marine work environment. The most powerful floodlight ever offered by Hella, high performance HypaLUME also delivers class-leading energy efficiency. While comparable to a 400 W metal halide fitting in light output, it only consumes a mere 240W (10 amps at 24V). Designed for heavy-duty and commercial vessels, Hella equips its HypaLUME floodlight with a Grilamid lens.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) releases latest short-term energy outlook. Monthly estimated domestic crude oil production exceeded crude oil imports in October 2013 for the first time since February 1995. The weekly U.S. average regular gasoline retail price has fallen by more than 40 cents per gallon since the beginning of September. EIA's forecast for the regular gasoline retail price averages $3.24 per gallon in the fourth quarter of 2013, $0.10 per gallon less than forecast in last month's STEO.

Working ships require reliable illumination that withstands the most demanding tasks in the harshest marine environments. Hella marine specifically addresses commercial vessel needs with its new ultra heavy-duty AS 5000 LED floodlight. This 5,000+ lumen LED lamp provides highly effective and dependable illumination while drawing only 60 W, or 5 amps at 12V and 2.5 amps at 24V. Hella's precision optical engineering a crisp white color that closely simulates daylight. Unlike some warmer halogen lighting, the 5700K color temperature reduces eye strain and fatigue.

Jeppesen’s new C-MAP MAX-N Wide cartography, designed for popular navigation systems from global marine electronics leader Navico, is now available to boaters worldwide through the Navico Insight Store and Jeppesen authorized dealers. MAX-N Wide is compatible with Lowrance Elite 7 and HDS Gen1, Gen2 and Gen2Touch; Simrad NSS, NSE and NSO and B&G Zeus Touch Multifunction Navigators. These navigation systems have are used across a spectrum of boaters, including fishermen, cruisers and sailors…

Icom America, manufacturer of marine radio products, introduced the IC-M400BB VHF fixed mount with Class D DSC. Comprising only a black box main body and a supplied COMMANDMICIV remote control microphone accessory, the two-piece radio set affords flexible installation and a small physical footprint. "The M400BB is a black box solution that's space saving and fully functional," said David McLain, Icom America National Marine and Avionics Sales Manager. Icom's latest marine transceiver is suited for owners of small boats and shipbuilders searching for a space saving black box solution.

The International Chamber of Shipping has announced that it will be making its publications on best practices for shipping companies available as eBooks. ICS will be using the eReader technology developed by Witherby Seamanship Group (WPG), which is now being widely used by many other bodies producing maritime publications, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The ICS publications to be made available as eBooks from April 2013 will continue to be published on behalf of ICS by Marisec Publications and will only be available from maritime booksellers.

Overall confidence levels in the shipping industry fell in the three months ended August 2012 to their lowest level for a year, according to the latest Shipping Confidence Survey from international accountant and shipping adviser Moore Stephens. The fall, to the lowest figure recorded since the survey was launched in May 2008, comes after three successive quarters of improved confidence. Chief among the concerns raised by respondents to the survey were the glut of newbuildings coming onto the market and continuing uncertainty about the global economy.

With prices soaring, petroleum is more than ever "liquid gold."  Like other valuables, fuel tanks should be kept under lock and key. Perko makes it easy to retrofit a sturdy locking mechanism in the majority of their 1-1/2" vented and non-vented fills. The black plastic 0525 Fuel System Locking Insert comes with a high-strength zinc alloy lock cylinder. When slid into the fill, spring action retracts the cams, which then lock onto the hose bib once the device is fully inserted. A handy dual purpose key opens the protective metal fill cap and operates the lock.