INTERNATIONAL Marine News
Southern Wind unveils new flagship superyacht
Boutique sailing yacht shipyard Southern Wind has kickstarted 2025 with news of a new flagship model, the SW123, which will be the company’s largest build to date.
The new superyacht model is already under construction in its Cape Town facility, with a projected launch date of February 2027. A standout feature of the SW123 is its light weight relative to other performance cruisers of similar length. It also represents the latest in the successful design collaboration involving Farr Yacht Design for the naval architecture and Nauta Design for the exterior and interior design. The SW123 has a LOA of 37.4m and beam of 8.18m. Full details are due to be released in Cape Town soon.
“This groundbreaking project not only expands their portfolio of high-performance luxury Smart Custom yachts but also takes the concept to unprecedented levels,” the company says in a statement shared on its website.
Vision Marine files patent application for battery encryption system
Montreal based electric outboard manufacturer Vision Marine Technologies has filed its latest patent application with the US Patent and Trademark Office for its Battery Authentication Encryption technology. The system is designed to securely integrate proprietary components within the E-Motion electric powertrain, prevent third-party substitution, and gather valuable boaters’ data, reinforcing the strategic value of Vision Marine’s advanced technology.
“The importance of system security cannot be overstated as we transition into a digital marine era,” says Xavier Montagne, chief technology officer at Vision Marine. “This patent application is the result of several years of research and development to make high-voltage systems compatible with the nautical field. Our unique skills in electronics and embedded software and our long experience in electric propulsion have made it happen.”
The technology employs a sophisticated Battery Management Controller (BMC) to authenticate components within the powertrain. This helps ensure that only Vision Marine’s proprietary components function in harmony with the system, eliminating risks associated with third-party substitutions that could compromise performance or safety. Beyond enhancing the system’s security, this innovation enables the collection and analysis of boaters’ data, a critical component in driving superior system performance and customer satisfaction.
Brisbane's first cruise ship passenger terminal deemed a success
The Port of Brisbane, Australia is celebrating its decision to invest in a cruise terminal after passenger movements at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) crossed the two million mark just two and half years after its opening.
BICT, which was constructed at a cost of US$110 million, achieved the two-millionth- passenger milestone after P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Encounter called at the port. The call could be the last that this vessel makes at its Brisbane homeport under the Pacific Encounter name. This is because the ship is set to be rebranded into Carnival Encounter after Carnival Corporation announced it was ending the P&O Cruises Australia brand in March 2025.
“Carnival’s long-term partnership with the world-class BICT has helped in the success of Queensland’s growing cruise industry. As Carnival Cruise Line prepares for an exciting expansion in March, when Pacific Encounter joins the CCL fleet as Carnival Encounter, we can’t wait to continue to deliver our guests unforgettable holidays from Brisbane, all year round,” said Peter Little, Carnival Corporation Country Manager.
The hitting of the two million passenger mark is a significant achievement for BICT, which was opened in June 2022 and is touted as a strategic asset in Queensland’s cruise tourism industry. The decision to build the terminal was approved in 2017, with construction completed in 2020. Its commercial opening was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
14 | ISSUE 111 | MAR 2025 | THE REPORT
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