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ALKESH SHARMA / Emirates Business
Green is the new mantra for success in the boats and yacht industry. UAE, which is undergoing a considerable surge in the sea-tourism segment owing to its picturesque coastline, is gradually taking firm strides towards the eco-friendly marine solutions in the yachting world.
According to reports, as eco-friendly generation is fast multiplying and it is spurring the demand of electric jet-driven yacht tenders. Electric jets are expected to capture nearly one-fourth of the overall market globally by the beginning of 2018. UAE, a major hub of leisure yachting in the region, will certainly have a significant role to contribute in this green shift of the industry.
“We have witnessed an increase in the queries of electric jet tenders from UAE-based yacht operators this year and we are looking forward to delivering nearly a dozen of such machines by the end of this year. This is a new concept and currently we are investing in research and development and will roll out our products in the next couple of months,†Abhijeet Wadwalkar, senior manager at Manama-based Gulf Water Sports, which had taken part in Arabian Travel Market in Dubai this year, told Emirates Business.
“As compared to traditional fuel-powered jet tenders or boats, they are better in performance and also safe,†pointed out Wadwalkar. Industry experts say that electric jets are easy to maintain and they have comparatively longer life span than fuel-powered engines.
“Craving for eco-friendly yachting solutions is growing very fast among the industry players. We have started seeing this revolutionary shift in the interest of buyers towards the electric jets. This trend is apparent not only in the UAE but leading marine craft manufacturers throughout the world are expressing more interest in this segment,†Albert Meridien, a representative of a US-based yacht manufacturer in the Middle East, told Emirates Business.
“In fact this is an intelligent choice. Apart from eco-friendly nature, they are more competent, cost-effective and convenient options,†he added.
Notably, for the eco-friendly boating enthusiasts, the electric jet tender is not only a green and sustainable choice but also a safe decision. It is because it does not require to carry highly flammable fuel tank on board.
UAE-based company ASIS Boats, which is an indisputable market leader of the industry, has reported sale of 12 of their revolutionary electric jet tenders. They made this announcement during this year’s Dubai International Boat Show.
“It is clear that a new cleaner and more eco-friendly alternative for support craft is very attractive for the yachting world, particularly as our product doesn’t compromise on power or performance. The electric jet tender also improves safety on board yachts, alleviating the need to carry tanks of highly flammable fuel and additional haz mat equipment on board,†said Roy Nouhra, Founder and President of ASIS Boats, in an officially released press statement.
ASIS electric tenders, which are gaining popularity very fast, allow sailors to travel into sensitive, zero-emission marine zones. The tender battery can be re-charged from a power socket on the yacht or the docks. Once fully charged, the tender can operate for upto four hours on cruising speed.
