Boating and yachting have always been seen as having large carbon footprints, and a major contributor to petrol consumption and pollution in the waters. Within this backdrop, Sea Dunes teamed up with the French scientist "George Feliot, who was one of the pioneers and top scientist of the European Space Agency program, to develop a battery-powered boat engine that delivers the same horsepower as many petrol-powered boats, yet weighs less and has practically zero-wastage and maintenance.
"Sea Dunes has always developed practical solutions for boating, sailing and nautical leisure. And for the first time, we are introducing a boat using a battery-powered engine that is environmentally friendly yet affords its owners the same leisure boating experience,"
said Raymond Sabbah CEO of Sea Dunes.
The UAE-based boat company is targeting institutional clients for the new concept, such as waterfront hotels and resorts, as well as water-based transport initiatives in the UAE and the rest of the Middle East and wider Africa region. "We offer a safe, clean, air-conditioned water transport that is more comfortable than the current water transport systems available, with no pollution and zero maintenance costs on the engine," Sabbah added.
The new boat concept boasts cost-efficiency in procurement and maintenance. Sabbah continued, "But more importantly, it has 92% power efficiency, compared to 48-65% in normal, petrol-powered and electric-powered engines. And it also radically reduces pollution that otherwise may have been produced resulting from operating and maintaining the boat."
The "e-motor" will be produced in France, but the whole boat will eventually be produced in the UAE, underscoring another major boost for the yachting and boat business in the Emirates, which is positioning to become the industry hub for the entire region.
"Our aim is to take water sports and leisure beyond the preserve of the super-rich and make it accessible to a wider public without compromising on quality and reliability. SeaDunes has taken a pioneering path away from the overuse of superlatives and instead tries to deliver intelligent and practical sailing solutions offering great value for money," ended Y.
SeaDunes is currently participating at the ongoing Dubai International Boat Show until March 13, 2009 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi. The company is exhibiting a Macgregor 26 sailing boat, a Southland pontoon boat and a presentation of its new line of Duarry semi-rigid (RIBS) at Booth # EX33, external Area of the boat show.
Posted by Rima Ali Al Mashni
