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»›Strength in diversity – forward as one‹ is a successful principle which is also frequently followed by the members of the German Yachting Industry Pool, since the most important aspect for the Pool is the teamwork in a project. Because the members are all specialists in their fields they also have the right solutions for the different problems, and these are coordinated with the helpof the project manager so that integrated systems are created wich dovetail together and function as a whole. In this was they avoid the problem of stand-alone solutions which are suitable in themselves but which do not work coherently. With this approach it is very helpful that the member of the Pool have all known one another for many years and share their ideas and expertise. In this way the owners end up with yachts which are technically dan visually harmonious and which work delightfully smoothly – the very defition of ›Made in Germany‹.« This self-portrait leaves little to be added. In the following some of the Pool’s members are described in more detail.

Andritz Hydro

The company designs propulsion systems that ensure silence, flexibility, efficiency, and speed for modern megayachts It[ds_preview] is well known that these are the four most dominant driving forces in the design of propulsion systems in megayacht shipbuilding. However, as megayacht building is all about customisation, each individual owner’s priority may differ significantly. Andritz Hydro, with its Escher Wyss Propellers, has had experience with almost all possible configurations in the priorities from that set of driving forces. »The most challenging part is to clearly identify the owner’s true needs and to translate those into a harmonised and balanced design that incorporates those four forces to the maximum possible extent« explains Mr. Burkhard Mahn, head of Escher Wyss Propellers. This challenge has been mastered by Andritz Hydro in many successful megayacht projects. The fact that a significant number of the current top thirty of the largest megayachts in the world are propelled by Escher Wyss Propellers is an affirmation that they can deliver what is required. With this reference base, Andritz Hydro is dedicated to continuing to face these design challenges with their controllable pitch propellers. Silence: Easily one of the top, if not the top requirement for today‘s megayachts. Here silence translates into »must not be heard and must not be felt.« Neither the sound of the engine or any equipment, nor any kind of vibrations are appreciated by the owners. Andritz Hydro‘s propulsion systems are capable of meeting the strictest noise and comfort requirements on the market. With dedicated propeller designs, pressure pulse amplitude levels as low as 1kPa have been achieved, directly influencing the (lack of) vibration levels experienced on board.

Flexibility: The concept of a controllable pitch propeller system as such hardly requires any further explanation: it was born out of the need for more flexibility, manoeuverability and convenience in ship propulsion and is continuously refined according to today‘s requirements such as dynamic positioning, et cetera. With typical pitch setting times from full astern to full ahead of only 45s (even lower in specific cases) CPP systems provide overall high responsiveness.

Efficiency: In a modern world, efficiency is crucial in all aspects of life. In the world of megayachts, efficiency has gained more and more attention in recent years and aspects such as operational range and environmental responsibility are discussed. Controllable pitch propellers actively contribute to an overall efficient propulsion system. The specific challenge within the field of megayachts is to cover a wide operational window and to custom fit with a wide range of prime mover configurations. Speed: Whether it is the achievable top speed of a vessel, the maintainable speed under all conditions or the cruising speed: if the customer requires, we can put a strong emphasis on speed. With the unique trunnion bearing design of the Escher Wyss Propellers no external blade fastening bolts are necessary, resulting in an overall increased cavitation freeoperation window by delaying root cavitation by up to six knots.

Beiderbeck Designs

Established in 1979 as »Jachtkontor Kiel« the company deals attentively with any question an owner might have concerning the yacht of his dreams from the first consultation to the final inspection. Jörg Beiderbeck and his partner Immo Lüdeling say: »Clients appreciate one trustworthy partner for their project. While the yacht is being built, our design often remains the sole competent contact, supervising the entire project. We look after the owner’s interest in respect of all suppliers and are in control until the final inspection«.

d-i davit international GmbH

Davit international, the worldwide specialist of lifesaving equipment, is one of the leading designers and manufacturers of davit systems and cranes. They provide complete deck equipment and life saving solutions for all kind of vessels. This year they have begun to manufacture aluminium cranes for rescue boat and workboat handling. The cranes, with an SWL of up to 10KN, are also suitable for other lifesaving purposes. Applications include fast ferries and authority vessels. Designed by Davit International’s proprietary design office, the main advantage of the cranes is the weight reduction compared with steel fabricated types.

Fuchs Fördertechnik AG

Engineers of the company have produced a new technologically advanced life raft davit: A new fold-out overhead life raft davit with slewing jib.

Designed and built compliant to SOLAS, control and operation are safe in heavy weather conditions and function to full capacity at any boom position.

The hydraulic crane, built completely from high tensile steel slews from 1° to 99° and features an integrated trolley. The design is exceedingly compact and streamlined with amazing projection and hoisting capacity for its size. (2.3t SWL with a maximum outreach of 7800mm.)

When not in use, the crane retracts into overhead storage. At the press of a button, the ceiling opens up to reveal the crane which folds out ready for deployment in an instant. Operation is selectively by hand-held control device, remote control or a wall-mounted control panel. Easy-to-service openings, integrated into the crane’s design facilitate maintenance. Finally, the slim elegance and beautiful high gloss finish – colour-matched to your yacht – make this crane truly unique.

Judel / Vrolijk

Renowned for over 30 years Judel/Vrolijk’s racing yachts acre always successfully taking top ranks in almost all important regattas in the world. The company has established itself internationally as leaders in the segment of fast motor yachts and –boats as well as in series production boats. They uniquely expose a wide spectrum of in-house competences, ranging from design and naval architecture, advanced 3D modelling an cutting geometry preparation to FEM-supported structural calculations and CFD-based speed predictions. Judel/Vrolijk cover all relevant kinds of development that enables them to co-ordinate all aspects of the design for best results. With its Baltic 112 the company offers both a sporting sailing performance and a safe and comfortable cruising worldwide. In addition with the Mini Maxi Racer class a new class of four designs was presented of 60 to 79 ft LOA yachts that sail under IRC-rules.

Hamann AG

After the successful start of the HL-Cont PLUS 10 and HL-Cont PLUS 05 for the yachting industry, Hamann AG extended their system range with the HL-Cont PLUS 80, focused on the cruise market.

The specific characteristic of the physical-biological method uses maceration, micro-flotation, micro-biology and UV-disinfection for the treatment process.

The new system operates in the test field with extraordinary good results and meet MEPC 159.55 as well as Alaska requirements, said Mathias Schmidt Executive Sales Manager. Hamann has several requests from the cruise market, which were very interested in a cost-saving sewage treatment plant. It was difficult to fulfil the high demand on cruise liners to meet the environmental requirements with an economical, membrane free solution. Definitely one solution will be the HL-Cont PLUS 80 with a minimum of costs and maintenance. Hamann informed us, that they will close the gap in plant size with two more systems this year.

The company announced that it will finish their top secret development of a sewage treatment system without any consumables for small yachts up to 30 persons very, very soon.

International Farbenwerke GmbH

For over a century International Paint has been creating the most innovative paint solutions to protect, beautify and improve the performance of all types of boats. No matter where a yacht cruises, in whichever waters around the globe, one will find high performance coatings backed by meticulously researched knowledge and support from International Paint.

Whether in the lab researching and developing new products, or at sea putting its products to the test, they are in their element. Getting the chemistry right is critical to paint manufacturers, knowing the subtle differences between people and water all over the world. Wherever there are boats, they are right at the heart of the matter, making connections, solving problems, sharing knowledge.

Different materials – Working with woods

Wood is the only natural boat building material used today, and although it generally requires more maintenance than the more common glass fibre vessels, a well cared for boat, built of wood, will always attract admiring glances when she sails into view. The fibrous nature of timber means that it has a tendency to absorb moisture from the atmosphere, and swell and contract to varying degrees depending on the type of construction. For a varnish or paint coating to stay intact it will need to be quite flexible in nature. The moisture content in wood can allow the growth of fungal spores, which leads to rotting and decay. Wood can also be subject to attack by marine borers, which eat the wood fibres. Wood therefore needs to be protected by good quality preservatives and coatings. Many different woods can be used, which can differ immensely.

Hardwood comes from slow growing deciduous trees. They have a tighter grain than soft woods. This tight grain has good strength characteristics across the timber as well as along its length, making it particularly suitable for decorative application, as well as boat building.

Mahogany will last for many years in a marine environment with little protection as the seawater has an antiseptic quality. The same is not true with regard to fresh water, which will lead to rot and decay if allowed to permeate the wood fibres. Mahogany should, therefore, be protected from freshwater at all times and wherever possible washed down with seawater.

Teak and iroko are particularly oily timbers with a natural resistance to rot and decay. Additionally they contain silica, which gives them hard-wearing characteristics.

Ferrous metals, such as steel and iron, react badly with oak, due to the tannin in the fibres. This will cause dark staining and even chemical attack on the metal by the tannic acid, which is formed.

The grain in these woods is long, straight and generally wider spaced than hardwoods as these trees grow faster. This means that their strength is mostly along their length so they are used in such applications as masts and spars, tillers, rubbing strakes, oars and planked hulls.

Working with steel

Steel is a heat-treated alloy based on iron with a lower carbon content and small quantities of other elements. The high strength of steel in relation to the plate thickness and the ability to cut and bend it into many different shapes makes it suitable material for building hulls and superstructures. Fastenings such as bolts and rivets are often a different alloy for added strength, while fittings contain added chromium, to make the steel »stainless« and resistant to rust. Having stated that steel is a good material for building boats, it is important to be aware of some of the characteristics of the material in order to ensure good results.

The most common form of corrosion in steel is rust. For the reaction to take place, water must also be present. The marine environment is therefore an ideal place for rust to occur.

Due to the high flexibility and strength of steel it is hard to break, but impact damage may well result in a dent owing to the metal stretching and deforming locally. This can present problems for a protective coating, which may not be so flexible.

Knaack & Jahn

The renowned company has gained its experience over many years in newbuildings, rebuilding and repairs of yachts as a reliable partner of shipyards and owners. It has developed the »KJ FireOffLowPressureWaterMistSystems«, that provides a variety of solutions for fire protection on yachts through an innovative technology. A completely new development and unique product are the »KJ FireOffLowPressureMistNozzles«. They offer quick fire fighting, are saving water and are a highly efficient method to extinguish fire in accommodation areas as well as in engine rooms. Its decent and aesthetic design is especially suitable for installation on yachts.

multiplex gmbh

The multiplex GmbH was founded in 1986 by master boatbuilder Jan Reiners and specialised in the field of composite light weight constructions made out of fibre reinforced components by using VAP vacuum assisted process. Today the production facility measures 2.500 m2 and within the last 10 years the multiplex team established a world wide reputation with the development of foldable super light boarding systems made of 100 % Carbon Fibre.

Notwithstanding the majority of products manufactured in its Bremen based workshop are custom made applications for yachts and industry plus the construction of custom build motor- and sailing yachts.

With the sun awning system multiplex offers a sun awning system with extreme design flexibility. Especially appreciated on mega yachts it truly provides enhanced comfort. The base: high-quality 120 mm posts, made from carbon fibre and painted with AWL GRIP. The product offered as »all-included-package», means from design to realizing the entire system, including awnings, fittings and installation. The system is particularly appreciated because of its extreme ease of handling, can be superbly integrated into the architecture of the ship, is easy to set up and dismantled and as a result, no ugly posts interfere with the outline of the ship.

Newcruise Yacht Projects&Design

The success of Newcruise is based on innovation, enthusiasm, know-how and unique design. The super-yachting world has been amazed for more than 20 years by the planning, development and realization of spectacular superyachts by this internationally recognized German Design – and Project House in Hamburg and its team around the designer and partner-trio Frank E. H. Neubelt, Roland Krueger and Katharina Raczek.

Every Newcruise-Yacht is a one-of-a kind, individuality and the customer’s wishes are reflected in the design and the naval architecture, as well as in the style and outfit of the interior creations. More than 40 successfully completed projects, including Design-Award winning yachts, such as »Siren« (74 m), »Tripel Seven« (67 m), »Gaya« (38 m) and »White Heaven (36 m) and nominated yachts such as »Xanadu« and »Opium« underline the Newcruise-factor of professional support. The most recent deliveries of »Luna« (115 m) and »Roma« (62 m) represent the Newcruise label.

Delivery 2010 – expedition yacht »Luna« (115 m)

The strong but graceful appearance of »Luna«‘s lines puts one in mind of one of the latest renowned »Expedition« Super Yachts, but she stands out with her own full of character.

Featuring an extensive open main deck, a large swimming pool with generous sun beds and two helicopter landing decks, Luna represents a new benchmark for yachts of her size and type. The large bathing platform provides an open space close to the water for the use of the guests onboard.

The World Cruiser »Roma« shows with its new extraordinary style reduced elegance combined with refined details to form a luxury unit. A graceful colour scheme around beige, brown and gold tones create the colour palette with which the bespoke furniture and distinctive surrounding architecture presents itself timelessly.

Piening Propeller

In 1928 Otto Piening, the founder of the company, opened an engine fitter‘s shop for motorbikes in Glueckstadt. There he repaired his first propeller for a fisherman and – he stuck to that. At first the propellers were cast in Neumuenster, machined in Elmshorn and primed in Glueckstadt. In 1930 a bigger workshop including a lathe work department was opened. In 1952 the firm could expand again and the first propellers were cast in its own foundry.

Flexibility, innovation and co-operation characterize the company’s work. Its products are designed by support of CAD workstations according to the customer’s ideas. The use of modern hydrodynamic programmes to meet the demanded requirements of every propeller is standard.

Today Piening propellers and stern gears propel a variety of boats ranging from yachts, sport- and highspeed boats, inland vessels, fishing boats and motor coasters to passenger- and research vessels. Silence and smooth sailing, are requirements we pay special attention to in our design. Most modern computer programmes and methods of design are used to produce propellers with a maximum of efficiency.In our design we pay great attention to the efficiency of the propeller, a major factor in exploitation costs.

Piening’s propellers and shaftings are characterised by highest quality and reliabilty. Their high performance and extreme running smoothness arrange an unique comfort, which is to be found in most diverse yachts.

Each serious yacht project starts with investigations on the propulsion system and proceeds with several tests of the propeller design in the basins of a ship building research centre. The system »Yacht« shows clearly the dependencies in between the hull with its given water flow and the appendixes like struts and rudders, as well as the propellers. With the target to fulfil the given demands in speed, efficiency and no vibrations, the ship yards with their suppliers of the propulsion systems are working very close right from the beginning.

Shipyards are increasingly interested in system solutions such as the ones designed and manufactured by Piening Propeller. In addition to the hydrodynamic optimisation of the propellers and the design of the shafts or thrust bearings, Piening Propeller also supplies shipbuilding components such as propeller brackets and hence all components that make a system solution. This is the main task the Piening Propeller design team is facing.

Zucker & Partner

Zucker & Partner, founded in 1990, is active in project management, consultancy and building supervision for new construction, repairs and refit as well as operational management of yachts. Further main topics of the company are general controlling and damage/condition survey. With ten surveyors and assistants and backed up by various subcontractors they are represented at the busiest yacht centres in the world. Courts, insurance companies, lawyers and private yacht owner belong to its clientele. Over a period of more than a year the company has accompanied and monitored the building process of the yacht »RoMa«. Other companies involved in this project were – among others – Hamann AG and Newcruise (see above).

Zucker & Partner together with the DBSV member SGS Germany has developed a comprehensive range of test and certification procedures. This includes non-destructive testing such as thermograph and ultrasound testing as well as computer assisted symmetry measurement of sailing yachts or the interior air examination on larger yachts.