North Atlantic Right Whale issue continues - MarineBusinessWorld.com N America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 7 Aug 14:00 PDT
Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) voices strong concerns over NOAA's Proposed Rule during key CJS Committee markup hearing © Senator Joe Manchin
On August 2, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced the bipartisan Protecting Whales, Human Safety, and the Economy Act of 2024, which will establish a grant program to support North Atlantic Right Whale conservation while pausing any changes to current vessel speed restrictions.
Companion legislation was introduced in the House earlier this year by Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Mary Peltola (D-AK). ASA's Martha Guyas testified in favor of the bill in a House Natural Resources Committee hearing in June.
On August 2, NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer joined Fox News to discuss the proposed NOAA vessel speed rule and the negative consequences the rule will inflict on American businesses, workers, and coastal economies if enacted. "If this rule becomes law, it's going to be devastating to the marine industry," Hugelmeyer told Fox News reporter David Kennedy.
The National Marine Trades Council (NMTC), hosted by the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), wrapped up its annual conference last week in Stillwater, Minn. The meeting, which took place July 22-25, brought together industry leaders, association representatives, and key stakeholders for a series of insightful discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities. The conference featured sessions on workforce development, industry advocacy efforts, boat show strategies and best practices, and other association-focused roundtable discussions.
The Boat and Engine Exports and Imports section of NMMA's 2023 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is now available. This report examines historical and recent trade data on the different categories of recreational boats and marine engines imported to and exported from the U.S. each year. The 2023 report saw notable shifts, reflecting changes in both exports and imports with a slight improvement in the trade balance deficit.
The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America's premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry, announced that after a thorough search, it has appointed Mary Velline to fill the position as show director.
North Technology Group (NTG) continues to expand its family of best-in-class marine brands by adding two of the world's most respected sailmakers, Doyle Sails and Quantum Sails. As part of NTG's diverse portfolio of world class businesses operating across the sailing and ocean lifestyle industries, Doyle and Quantum will continue to operate independently, retaining their unique brand identities and competing for market share. Each business will continue to manage its own lofts, sales and marketing teams, and product suites. The NTG ownership structure will provide each brand with the freedom, financial security, and resources to continuously improve and offer better experiences for sailors.
McConaghy Boats, renowned for its cutting-edge performance-luxury yachts and manufacturer of the AC40 for the America's Cup, is proud to announce a partnership with Integrel Solutions, a leader in electric marine systems. This collaboration aims to equip McConaghy's vessels with the most advanced 48V highly efficient electronic marine systems, starting with the MC75 performance-luxury catamaran.
The new J/40 performance cruising yacht just launched in Les Sables d'Olonne, France. She will be undergoing sea-trials this week with designer Al Johnstone aboard, joining Didier LeMoal and Fred Bouvier of J/Composites. From the same team that launched the award-winning J/112E, J/122E, and J/45, comes an exciting new 40-footer that boldly pushes the envelope on performance (double-digit speeds!), versatility of use, and cruising comfort.
On July 11, OXE Marine Inc received confirmation from the boat builder that it had received the required contracts to make the remainder of the order unconditional, thus increasing the previous order from USD 0.9m to USD3.3m. OXE Marine Inc signed an addendum to the contract for an additional order of USD 2.6m from the same boat builder taking the total orders received to USD 5.9m.
More industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/NorthAmerica from the largest boating news network - updated daily.
Stay on track,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media