NEWS - AIMEX big guns at METS

The Australian Marine Industry Export Group (AIMEX) says it is taking a substantial group of members and industry heavyweights to 2010 Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam — the world’s largest trade exhibition of equipment, materials and systems for the international marine leisure industry.

The Australian delegation attending the November 16 to 18 show include Aeronaut Automation, Aqualuma Underwater Lighting, Austral Propellers, Barz Optics, Coursemaster Autopilots, Donaghys, FinScan, GME, Hydrive Engineering, Marine Tech Industries Australia, Marine Tuft, Marine Protection Systems, Muirs, MultiPanel, Palm Unbreakable Drinkware, PFD, Polyflex Group, PowerDive, Ronstan International, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Seasafe, Stormy Seas, SOS Marine, Superior Jetties, Superyacht Base Australia, TMQ International, and VEEM Propellers.

Marine biometrics company FinScan will showcase its new IntelliCORE system, it describes as an “intelligence at your finger tips” product, at the show.

Ronstan International, manufacturer and global distributor of quality sailboat deck hardware for yachts will be entering the DAME Awards with their new CORE Series 75 block range. The new Core Block range is said to revolutionise the concept of the basic sailing blocks from previous generations. With advanced performance and refined aesthetics, the Core Block range now provides an attractive and affordable solution for today’s refined sailboat.

SOS Marine, manufacturer of specialised lifejackets, safety and rescue equipment, will be exhibiting for the first time at METS and has entered its newly patented products the SOS Dan Buoy and Sea Scoopa in the DAME Awards.

New AIMEX member Stormy Seas will be exhibiting for the first time at METS, too, showcasing its international standard approved products the Stormy Vest and Stormy Jacket as well as the Stormy Rescue Grenade rapid response life-ring.

AIMEX will be hosting an evening for members and their guests, which it said is seen as a valuable networking and relationship-building event. Members will be given an up-to-date briefing on the current marine industry in Europe.

AIMEX will be exhibiting at stands 4.102 and 4.105.

EXHIBITOR PROFILES
Aeronaut Automation manufactures automated plotter/cutters with CAD and nestling software to suit a variety of applications including sailmaking, sail stringing machines, carbon fibre, rubber and canvas goods. Machines range from 1200mm² up to 10m by 45m long. Tools range from blades to lasers and ultrasonic cutting options. 

Aqualuma Underwater Lighting offers a revolutionary approach to underwater lighting. From one-piece injected moulded polycarbonate housing to the company’s groundbreaking LED-light technology, Aqualuma lights are maintenance-free and use virtually no power. 

Austral Propellers has led the way in propeller design and manufacturing in Australia for 60 years. The company manufactures high-quality, inboard marine propellers at competitive prices and uses short manufacturing lead times. Austral produces propellers for all types of inboard installations ranging from high-performance sportscruisers and luxury motoryachts through to sailing yachts, leisure craft, skiboats, motoryachts and commercial fishing vessels. The company is dedicated to manufacturing high-quality products in particularly short lead times and is the preferred “emergency supplier” for many international boat builders, dealers and charter operators. 

Barz Optics was established in 1996 by Kevin Barr — a former surfing champion with 30 years experience in the surf, snow-ski and sailboard industries. From his own and others experiences, Kevin was inspired to develop a sunglass/goggle, in collaboration with the optical industry and material manufacturers from around the world, to give surfers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts maximum eyesight protection. Over the last 10 years, Barz has expanded its products to include a wide range of unique polarised sunglasses, which contain polarised or non-polarised bifocal reading lenses. Barz Optics utilises eight different lens material variations. 

Coursemaster Autopilots Pty Ltd in Sydney has been designing, manufacturing and exporting quality marine autopilots for 30 years. Commercial and leisureboat skippers around the world acknowledge the superior performance, toughness and reliability of Coursemaster Autopilots, whether for a fishing, charter, tug, power or sailing vessel from 5m to 100m. See 

Donaghys Pty Ltd has been established for more than 100 years, offering a high-performance background in the development of the world’s best yachting brands, including Superbraid, Spectraspeed, Challenge Braid, Ocean 12, Southern Lights, Yachtmaster XS, Dinghy Racing, and PBO Elite. The company can service superyacht project kits to rigger specifications. The company has worked with winners such as Emirates Team NZ, ABN Amro 1, Alfa Romeo, and many more. 

FinScan is a market leader in the field of marine biometrics and recently won the Australian AIMEX Most Innovative Product award for 2010. From fingerprint engine starting, integrated marine keyless entry/security systems, to distributed DC power switching and monitoring systems. In combination, FinScan’s products will secure a boat with an integrated alarm system and perform keyless entry, vessel monitoring and engine starting on all major engine brands. 

GME A long-time exhibitor at METS, Australia’s marine electronics specialist GME recognises this show as being pivotal for both its European endeavours and broader international markets. In 2010, GME will display its full line of EPIRBs, PLBs, VHF radios and entertainment systems. It will also debut the exciting new GD9600 series DVD/CD players with AM/FM radio, remote options and iPod connectivity. See

HyDrive Engineering Pty Ltd is the largest manufacturer and exporter of hydraulic boat-steering gear in the Southern Hemisphere. It boasts one of the widest ranges of precision-built, award-winning specialty hydraulic steering kits and manufactures custom-made hydraulic steering systems to suit both leisure and commercial vessels from 5m to 100m. 

Marine Tech Industries Australia specialises in the manufacture of high-spec boat seats and pedestals, fixed and adjustable tables and bar stools. Products are manufactured in aluminium or stainless steel, with a range of options suitable for all areas of the boating industry, from powerboats to luxury launches and motoryachts. 

Marine Tuft is the Australian manufacturer of marine-grade carpets using the highest grade yarns suitable for both indoor and outdoor usages, manufactured in both 2m and 4m widths to suit most decks. 

Marine Protection Systems Pty Ltd
is an industry leader in electrolysis control and prevention devices. The company’s range includes galvanic isolators or electrolysis blockers, which mitigate the daisy chain effect of electrolysis due to shorepower connectivity. The company’s Maddox Anodes, designed for wooden and fibreglass boats, create a more neutral environment under the vessel greatly reducing contaminants on the hull. The Shaft Grounding Strap provides a shaft-driven vessel maximum electrical contact from the sacrificial anodes to the shaft and propeller. Shaft anodes are no longer required, saving money and the strap provides excellent protection from corrosion for the propellers and shafts. The MPS product range has attained recognition and various awards, including the Australian Marine Industry Federation Innovative Product of the Year, with the electrolysis blocker attaining a Commendation Award at METS.

Muirs specialises in the manufacture of windlasses and anchoring systems for vessels from 5m to 110m. The company has developed a reputation for superior quality products, which are exported to more than 40 countries. 

MultiPanel uses innovative technology to manufacture unique lightweight and waterproof building panels. The panels are made from high-density polyurethane and are incredibly versatile with applications across many industries including maritime, construction and transport. The panels are strong, lightweight, waterproof, fire retardant, eco-friendly and have extremely good acoustic and insulative properties.

Palm Unbreakable Drinkware
is
designed by enthusiasts for marine and outdoor activities and manufactured in Australia using state-of-the-art machinery and technology. The Palm Unbreakable Boating and Camping ranges are two-shot moulded and feature a non-slip base with a polycarbonate top. The wine and tumblers stack for space-saving storage and transport. In addition, the shapes are contemporary and robust with a low centre of gravity and heavy bases — the base of the camping range “glows-in-the-dark”. Palm Product’s commitment to quality and the environment is demonstrated with certification to ISO9001, the Automotive Standard TS16949, and Environmental Standard ISO14001.

PFD is Australia's largest and leading designer and manufacturer of lifejackets and associated products. Its own brand ULTRA is the leading brand in Australasia. In addition, they manufacture on behalf of a number of industry brand leaders. PFD has been responsible for almost every design innovation in this sector of the industry. 

Poly Flex Group Pty Ltd manufactures anti-vibration mounting systems, polymer shaft-drive couplings and customised polymer mouldings for the marine, industrial, mining, power generation and agricultural industries. 

PowerDive is the sole manufacturer of a unique 12V diving system aimed at the recreational market. The PowerDive system is a surface air-supply system that supplies air to the diver via a hose to a regulator. These systems are ideally suited for resort diving, recreational use and underwater boat maintenance. 

Ronstan International is a manufacturer and global distributor of quality sailboat deck hardware to suit yachts ranging from off-the-beach dinghies to superyachts. The product range includes standard and custom solutions in blocks, track and traveller systems, rigging components and a comprehensive range of batten car and sail handling systems. Ronstan has a dedicated custom product division providing fitout assistance and design. 

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is recognised as a leading show in the Asia Pacific region. The Show attracts many world and regional product launches and international buyer delegations. Dates for the 22nd annual event are May 20 to 23, 2010. The 2009 Show attracted 455 exhibitors with close to 900 boats and watercraft on display. The Show is a member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO). 

Seasafe has developed a state-of-the-art, self-contained man-overboard and lost-diver alarm, tracking and location system. The system allows for instant personal MOB or lost-diver notification at vessel level and allows for immediate victim tracking and location. The system uses radio-frequency directional finding techniques and has exceptional range and location accuracy. It is able to track victims to within 5m and has an activated battery life of up to seven days. The system provides personal and affordable safety for all onboard and does not suffer the delays in response and locating inaccuracy normally associated with traditional MOB satellite-based systems.

SOS Marine is an ISO 9001 international award winning manufacturer of specialised lifejackets, safety and rescue equipment, supplying seven naval forces worldwide.
Lifejackets certified to ISO 12402.

Stormy Seas has been saving lives since 1993. They design and build lifejackets, light and comfortable vests and jackets — inflatable clothing.
Intelligent gear that looks and feels right — for wherever you want to be. But it doesn’t stop there — the Stormy Rescue Grenade is an example of our innovative safety devices.
Our products are designed to meet the new international standard ISO 12402 for lifejackets and 12401 for inbuilt deck harnesses. Protecting what’s most precious — keeping your loved ones safe is at the heart of what we do, designed to be worn and never stowed. Lab tested in Tasmania, Australia — engineered to work — period. 

Superior Jetties manufactures and installs marine-berthing systems for both the domestic and commercial markets in Australia and internationally. Superior's products include both the Elite and Capri Marina Systems, Hydrolift boat lifts and the Ultimate Modular Dock range of marine-berthing options. Superior's range ensures that an optimum solution for site and purpose-specific needs can be met for marinas, ferry terminals, piling and water-based boardwalks. Offering complete turnkey management covering design, manufacture and installation project management, Superior exports its marina systems worldwide. 

Superyacht Base Australia is the national industry body with an information centre to assist superyachts visiting Australian waters. With new Dockwise SuperYacht transporter now giving you access to this region, Australia is fast emerging as one of the preferred SuperYacht destinations in the world. 

TMQ International Pty Ltd is a manufacturer and distributor of marine equipment, designing and manufacturing a range of autopilots and accessories. TMQ’s C-Plot leads the way in providing a powerful, computer-based chartplotter, easily installed onto a standard PC or laptop. 

Veem Propellers specialises in the supply of high-performance propulsion-system packages. The company crates high-performance fully CNC machined propellers and shaftline packages.