NEWSPaper charts to be withdrawn28/07/2022Save articleThe UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is preparing to stop paper chart production by late 2026 to instead increase its focus on digital navigation products and services.SHOW FULLSCREENThe UKHO is planning on withdrawing from paper charts by 2026The organisation says its plans to withdraw Admiralty Standard Nautical Charts (SNCs) and Thematic Charts are in response to more marine, naval and leisure users primarily using digital products and services for navigation.The Admiralty Maritime Data Solutions digital navigation portfolio can be updated in near real-time, which the organisation says will enhance safety of life at sea (SOLAS).The phased withdrawal of paper charts from production will take place over a number of years and is anticipated to conclude in late 2026.In parallel, the UKHO will develop ‘viable, official digital alternatives’ for sectors still using paper chart products.“As we look to the future, our core purpose remains the safety of shipping operations and delivering the best possible navigation solutions to achieve that,” said Peter Sparkes, UKHO chief executive.“We understand the significance of this announcement, given the distinguished history of the UKHO’s paper chart production and the trust that mariners have placed in Admiralty charts over the generations.”And he said the move to digital navigation solutions has been accompanied by a rapid decline in demand for paper charts, driven by the SOLAS-mandated transition to ECDIS and the wider benefits of digital solutions, including the next generation of navigation services.TopicsAdmiralty chartIndustry NewsUK Hydrographic OfficeUKHO

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NEWSWorld’s largest wooden catamaran02/08/2022Save articleTurkish boat builder Soyaslan has launched what it believes is the world’s longest cold-moulded wooden catamaran.SHOW FULLSCREENThe Soyaslan CAT63 – photo credit Pozitif StudioThe CAT63 measures 19.37m overall and was both designed and built by Soyaslan, with styling from Tumer Design Studio.“We have good experience in engineering and manufacturing with this method,” says founder Can Soyaslan. “We have engineered and built cold-moulded yachts which are already 30-plus years old. To date, we have produced more than 100 boats and yachts.”To build the catamaran, the boatbuilders built up the shape by forming sheets or planks of wood over a plug or frame.The individual wooden elements were glued together with high-performance epoxy and later sheathed in epoxy for protection and longevity.“In the final look, users cannot tell the difference between a cold-moulded yacht and a GRP or metal one,” continued Can.“In practice, the durability and longevity of the hull is without comparison. Wooden yachts can last well over a hundred years, while the vibration, sound and heat insulation are much better.”And he explained that weight for weight, there is little difference between cold-moulding and GRP.The 63ft catamaran is powered by twin Yanmar 110hp engines, connected to ZF saildrives, providing an 8.5-knot cruising speed with more than 10 knots at full throttle.The craft has a 60kWh bank of lithium batteries aboard and eight 430W solar panels.Accommodation runs to two large double cabins and two twins for eight guests, and a further three berths for crew.

Source: World’s largest wooden catamaran | News | Boating Business