METS Amsterdam: These are the highlights of the equipment trade fair
The METS equipment trade fair with 1,400 exhibitors from 50 countries opened yesterday and will continue until tomorrow. After the Corona edition a year ago, there was once again a strong influx of boat builders, wholesalers, harbour developers and other marine professionals from all over the world.
From entire hull sections from the 3D printer and electric inboards to new types of brushes, there is once again everything to see. In addition to the exhibition, which is spread across ten halls, there will also be a series of lectures on topics such as technology, sustainability and superyachts.
Dame Design Award 2022: Innovation for greater safety honoured
The focus was particularly on theDame Design Award 2022. The jury honours design and innovation in the maritime industry with this award. Factors ranging from function to aesthetics and from packaging to the end product are taken into consideration. As well as the expected impact on the shipping industry and suitability for the intended purpose, the degree of innovation, cost and ease of use, installation and environmental impact. The award offers all METS exhibitors from around the world the opportunity to submit their latest products and have them judged by experts.
Yesterday, the world-renowned prize was awarded to the British manufacturer of marine electronicsOcean Signal with hisPLB3 AIS Personal Locator Beacon was awarded. The overall winner impressed with a combination of four sea rescue systems in one device: AIS man overboard, GPS, Cospas-Sarsat personal locator beacon, Galileo return link service and integration of visible and infrared signalling lights. According to the jury, the device offers the best chance of survival in a distress situation with its combination of long- and short-range localisation technologies. Andre Hoek, chairman of the jury, emphasised: "This is an excellent example of how you can never stop striving for improvement, even in a market segment where products are already impressively advanced in terms of size and price."
Six other products won in their category, while 13 others also received a special mention. The jury also awarded its first environmental design prize this year. This went to the battery manufacturerAceleron from England. Its cobalt-free lithium iron phosphate battery with replaceable and upgradeable parts was honoured. This means that a defective cell no longer requires the entire battery to be replaced. Returned parts are redistributed or reconditioned to give them a second life.
The other prizes in the individual categories:
Marine electronics and software
- YachtSense Link 4G marine router from Raymarine
Interior fittings, furnishings, materials and electrical installations in cabins
- Prize not awarded
Harbour equipment, shipyard equipment and boatbuilding tools and materials
- MarineShift360 life cycle assessment tool from Marineshift360
Deck equipment, sails and rigging
- Arya from Amare
Clothing and crew accessories
- Aquafleece bathrobe from Rooster Sailing
Lifesaving and safety equipment
- Ocean Signal RescueME PLB3 AIS personal locator beacon from Ocean Signal
Machines, drives, mechanical and electrical systems and fittings
- Integrel... The Next Generation from Integrel Solutions
