|

Report from the annual METS Trade Marine Equipment Show

Amsterdam Electric Powered Vehicle

Nov 30, 2021

METSTRADEThe Future of Boating is Sustainable

Covering the square footage of 26 football fields, nearly 1,300 exhibitors in four huge halls displayed new products that will be used by boat builders around the world in future vessels.

by Jeff Hammond of BoatTEST.com

BoatTEST sent a crew to Amsterdam to visit the annual METS Trade Marine Equipment Show. After a Covid-pause of one year, the 2021 METS Trade show was bursting with two years’ worth of new products. The importance of METS is that the exhibitors’ new products point to the future direction of boating and this year’s show unmistakably pointed to a “sustainable” future. That means electric outboard motors, hybrid diesel and electric inboard drive systems, a move to high energy-density Lithium-ion batteries and a move away from oil-based products wherever possible.

While it is hard for many Americans to grasp, Europe is leading the way to the future, and boating is just one small manifestation of what is going on. Despite the many nationalities, cultures, economic systems and languages, Europeans are taking global warming seriously. Local governments are often taking the lead, passing legislation to reduce, restrict, and eliminate emissions from ICE (internal combustion engines), and curtail the use of oil-based products wherever possible. European manufacturers of ICE engines such as Volvo Penta have announced plans to be all electric within the next ten years, and Volvo cars will be all electric by 2030.

Already 75% of Amsterdam’s 550 commercial vessels are electric-powered, but less than 5% of its 12,000 recreational boats are emissions-free. All must be compliant by 2025 or move elsewhere.

Creating a necessity for sustainable power, governments such as the one in Amsterdam have passed laws requiring electric power on all boats using its canals, as well as a ban on ICE engines operating in its canals and harbors by 2025. Other cities, states and governing bodies around Europe are doing the same, all on their own timetable. Indeed, several lakes in Germany have required extremely low emissions, or no emissions from boats for over a decade. (READ MORE HERE

Related Posts





BC Ferries: Queen of Surrey out of Commission until Jan 28th amid Proposed BC Ferries Expansion

NMEA

By Mathew Channer

BC Ferries vessel Queen of Surrey is expected to remain out of commission until the end of the month, according to BC Ferries.

The vessel, which has been in service for more than 40 years, was pulled from the Horseshoe Bay to Langdale service on January 1st to undergo repairs to its propulsion system.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Kropf Industrial Delivers First All-Electric Travel Lift

Kropf Industrial, manufacturer of the industry-leading Conolift line of boat handling equipment, is excited to announce that its first all-electric travel lift is now in service in Ontario. The advanced design has eliminated both the diesel power unit and the hydraulic system, yielding a simplified machine that is quiet, and free from emissions and the risk of spills.

Read More



Mercury Marine enhances Joystick Piloting capabilities, laying the groundwork for an exciting future in effortless autonomous boating

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

Mercury Marine®, a division of Brunswick Corporation has announced a software update for its SmartCraft®operating system that gives Joystick Piloting powerful new capabilities. The system can now automatically counteract the effects of wind, waves and current while a boater is driving with the joystick, giving them the ability to dock and maneuver with effortless precision.

Read More