Volvo Penta Names Tony Kelleher Vice President for Customer Support and Training

(CHESAPEAKE, Va.) – Feb. 7, 2018 – Volvo Penta of the Americas today announced the appointment of Tony Kelleher as vice president for customer support and training.

“Tony Kelleher will lead the customer support and product training teams to further expand and strengthen our partner network capabilities,” said Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas. “During his tenure as head of our leisure marine business segment, he and his team have made great strides in strengthening our business and relationships with partners and customers. His collaborative approach has developed positive rapport among U.S. and international team members, as well as OEMs and dealer partners.”

In this position, Kelleher will be responsible to support both marine and industrial segments within the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. He will serve as a member of the Volvo Penta of the Americas executive team and the extended aftermarket management team.

Prior to this appointment, Kelleher was director of the marine leisure segment with responsibility for OEM and dealer sales and partnership development for North America. He has also served as head of the service department and purchasing director within Volvo Penta of the Americas. Kelleher previously held purchasing and quality positions at Ford Motor Company in the United Kingdom and Visteon Corporation in the United States. He earned a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Leeds Metropolitan University.

Kelleher replaces Martin Bjuve, who has been promoted to CFO and senior vice president business office at Volvo Penta’s global headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden.

For a high-resolution image, please visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vwtt2b4d375x4cv/AABBkTwek1Hppd45ePUQC02Da?dl=0.

About Volvo Penta

Volvo Penta, with approximately 3,500 dealers in over 130 countries, is a world-leading and global manufacturer of engines and complete power systems for boats, vessels and industrial applications. The engine program comprises diesel and gasoline engines with power outputs of between 10 and 1,000 hp. Volvo Penta is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy trucks, buses and construction equipment.

Connect with Volvo Penta of the Americas on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest company news and insights.

For further information, please contact:

Christine Carlson
Volvo Penta of the Americas
Phone: +1 (757) 382 4084
E-mail: christine.carlson@volvo.com

Jim Rhodes
Rhodes Communications, Inc.
Phone: +1 (757) 451 0602
E-mail: jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

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Elcome International Completes Satcom Switchover for LNG Tanker Fleet

Comprehensive Retrofit Program Includes New Hardware, Software, Airtime, Service, Maintenance and Support

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Feb. 6, 2018 – Elcome International has completed a satellite communications retrofit program for a major fleet of LNG tankers providing broadband data and voice services.

“Our team decommissioned the existing VSAT systems and installed new SAILOR 900 antennas and below-deck systems on 40 ships within four months. Most of the installations were performed at sea, and the others were made at ports in eight different countries,” said Jimmy Grewal, executive director of Dubai-based Elcome International. “Careful planning and prestaging equipment and manpower ahead of the ships’ port calls enabled us to meet the customer’s requirement for fast turnaround without disrupting the ships’ sailing schedules.”

The scope of work included system design, site survey, system integration, hardware and software installation, commissioning, training, project management and airtime for the ships’ VSAT, Fleet Broadband and Inmarsat-C systems. In addition, Elcome is managing worldwide shipboard service for the fleet. To that end, Elcome has established a network operations center at its Dubai headquarters for first-line customer support and will also provide shore-based maintenance under a separate yearly contract.

Elcome has created three independent networks on each ship for corporate traffic, crew welfare voice and internet connections, and machine-to-machine data transfer of performance data from shipboard sensors. Elcome’s maritime internet solution provides dynamic allocation of specific data quotas to crew members for efficient control and management of airtime.

The fleetwide retrofit solution was developed in conjunction with satellite service provider Global Eagle and VSAT antenna manufacturer Cobham SATCOM.

Global Eagle is a leading supplier of satellite connectivity and media content to more than 1,600 ships worldwide. “The collaboration with Elcome was crucial during the implementation phase and was key for the success of the project,” said Rainier Abreu, senior director of commercial shipping and oil and gas for Global Eagle. “The partnership with Elcome is a critical element in Global Eagle’s strategy to develop the Middle East and Asia region in the SatCap market.”

Cobham SATCOM’s advanced maritime stabilized Ku-band SAILOR VSAT antennas were chosen for the project based on their fast installation and integration, consistent user experience and proven reliability in all conditions. Cobham SATCOM’s global support and logistics network were also critical to Elcome in meeting the customer’s three-day turnaround requirement for vessel installations.

“Elcome and Global Eagle are long-time Cobham SATCOM partners, and projects like this exemplify why these relationships continue to evolve in positive directions,” said Matt Galston, senior director of maritime product management at Cobham SATCOM. “Global fleets are adopting new, enterprise-grade communications solutions at a record pace, challenging service providers and integrators to keep up with demand. That Elcome successfully executed fleetwide rollout of this comprehensive solution so quickly demonstrates the SAILOR portfolio’s ability to accelerate Return on Investment for the end customer while providing a unified, consistent IT platform on which to build a modern digital infrastructure on board.”

For high-resolution image, visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ou73ud15vt9ux5y/AABFknfuEunyYI6mchReeLmDa?dl=0.

About Elcome International LLC

Founded in 1969, Elcome International LLC is a diversified turnkey solutions provider of marine electronics, electrical and safety systems for the world maritime industry. With its modern 100,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Dubai, Elcome has sales and support offices in United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia, as well as a subsidiary and associated companies in India. The Elcome Group (including associated companies) has over 500 employees, including over 200 factory-trained engineers and technicians. The company is certified to ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007 by DNV. Elcome is the authorized sales and service representative for many of the world’s major manufacturers of marine products and systems, and manufactures its own line of type-approved marine electrical switchboards under the ELSYS brand name. The company provides 24/7 shipboard installation, support, and flyaway service for navigation, communication, automation, and safety systems for over 800 vessels per month with a first-time fix-rate of 96 percent. Additionally, Elcome is South East Asia’s largest supplier of nautical charts and publications, both print and digital, and operates an FTA-approved training center and bridge simulator in Dubai for dynamic positioning and ECDIS courses.

Press Contacts:

Dani Gorgon
Elcome International LLC
+971 (0) 4 8121333
dani.gorgon@elcome.com

Jim Rhodes
Rhodes Communications, Inc.
+1 (757) 451-0602
jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

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Torqeedo Announces Strategic Partnerships with Sentinel Marine Solutions and WhisperPower

Crystal Lake, Ill. – Feb. 5, 2018 – Torqeedo has announced strategic agreements to integrate Sentinel Boat Monitors and WhisperPower smart power generation systems into its electric boat propulsion product offerings.

The announcements were made in a press conference at the Dusseldorf International Boat Show Jan. 23.

The Sentinel Boat Monitors are now fully integrated with Torqeedo’s Cruise, Travel and Ultralight electric propulsion systems. The Sentinel app allows remote monitoring of the vessel’s location and onboard systems, and provides automatic alerts of any malfunctions and alarms. If the boat strays from its location, either through a failed mooring or theft, the automatic geofencing and GPS tracking function ensures quick location and recovery. When integrated with the Torqeedo system, the boat’s electric motor and battery data are clearly displayed in the app, including state of charge, voltage, temperature and remaining range.

“The Boat Monitor device with the Sentinel app makes it easy to understand what is going on with your boat at all times, whether you are a charter operator with a large fleet or an individual boat owner,” said Marko Pihlar, co-founder and CEO of Sentinel Marine Solutions.

For commercial or rental operators, the Sentinel Boat Monitor system, integrated with Torqeedo’s electric propulsion system, offers tracking and monitoring of the full fleet or individual boats via a convenient mobile or web app. It monitors the number of guests, remaining range, state of charge and distance from homeport for each boat and sends notification of the vessel’s arrival.

“Cities worldwide are looking to electric-powered water taxis, ferries and excursion boats to clean up their air and waterways,” said Torqeedo CEO Christoph Ballin. “Integrating Torqeedo systems with full-featured remote fleet management solutions like Sentinel will be crucial to the further development of this market.”

Torqeedo also announced a new 25kW range extender developed in cooperation with WhisperPower for its Deep Blue hybrid systems.

The WhisperPower 350V DC converter generator uses a Mitsubishi S4Q2 four-cylinder diesel engine with crankshaft starting. Its variable frequency operation eliminates the fixed ratio between power, voltage output and rotational speed and produces all required combinations of power and voltage on demand. The system’s sophisticated power electronics allow the engine to run at its most efficient operating point, minimizing fuel consumption, noise, vibration and exhaust. It consumes only 295 grams (.08 gallons) of fuel per kilowatt-hour and generates just 54 db(A) of noise at seven meters distance.

Ballin explained that when integrated into the Deep Blue Hybrid systems, the range extender is part of an advanced feature set which offers unparalleled levels of convenience, luxury and autonomy for larger cruising boats. “The Deep Blue system harvests renewable energy from solar panels and hydrogeneration to charge the high-capacity BMWi batteries, providing silent power for the Torqeedo electric motors plus house loads such as air conditioning from sustainable sources. When longer-range motoring is required, the generator is controlled automatically by the Torqeedo Advanced Hybrid Control System for worry-free backup.”

Roel ter Heide, founder and CEO of WhisperPower, said: “As electric propulsion systems become more powerful, a backup or auxiliary power system is becoming more and more relevant. Our smart power generation systems and Torqeedo’s industry-leading electric propulsion systems are a perfect match.”

About Torqeedo
Torqeedo is the market leader for electric mobility on the water. Founded in 2005 in Starnberg, the company develops and manufactures electric and hybrid drives from 0.5 to 100 kW for commercial applications and recreational use. Torqeedo products are characterized by an uncompromising high-tech focus, maximum efficiency and complete system integration. Torqeedo is part of the DEUTZ Group, one of the world’s leading independent suppliers of diesel and natural gas engines. www.torqeedo.com

About Sentinel
Sentinel Marine Solutions is the market leader in marine telematics and a recognized technology enabler for the smart boat concept. Founded in Croatia in 2014, the company develops and manufactures the hardware and software for monitoring the systems on modern boats, either for recreational use or commercial applications. Awarded as “Best IoT Startup” by CESA and being backed by venture capital, Sentinel is aiming to become a standard data integration platform in the marine industry. www.sentinelmarine.net

About WhisperPower
WhisperPower, located in the Netherlands, is a leading company specializing in the design and manufacturing of compact and ultra-silent variable-speed generators which are part of their hybrid-style power systems used in boats, vehicles and off-grid locations. In addition, the company is supplying a wide portfolio of inverters, inverter chargers and other power system related components.

Find high-resolution pictures at www.torqeedo.com and here:
http://media.torqeedo.com/press/Torqeedo-boot-2018.zip

Find the main catalogue 2018 in different languages here:
http://www.torqeedo.com/en/products/catalogue

Media Contacts:

Tess Smallridge
Torqeedo, Inc.
+1 (815) 981-3302
Tess.Smallridge@torqeedo.com

Jim Rhodes
Rhodes Communications, Inc.
+1 (757) 451-0602
jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

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Calnetix Technologies to Present Paper at Motor & Drive Systems Conference 2018

CERRITOS, Calif. – Feb. 5, 2018 – Co Huynh, a co-founder of Calnetix Technologies and the Business Unit Leader for the company’s electric turbo division, will present a paper on motor and drive systems on Feb. 8 at the Motor & Drive Systems Conference 2018 in Orlando, Fla.

The paper, titled, “Rotor Retention and Loss Reduction for High-Speed Permanent Magnet Motors and Generators,” will address the advantages of high-speed permanent magnet electric machines, design challenges of high-speed permanent magnet machines and state-of-the-art magnet retention technologies. The author also will present a novel rotor loss reduction method for consideration in enhancing a machine’s thermal performance.

Huynh has over 30 years of experience in designing and developing advanced motors, generators and electromagnetic devices for automotive, industrial and aerospace applications. After founding Calnetix and serving as Vice President of Engineering, he transferred to its subsidiary, Direct Drive Systems (DDS), in 2008 to lead a subsea pump development project. In 2009, DDS was purchased by FMC Technologies, where he served as Manager of Special Projects. Prior to founding Calnetix, Huynh worked for Allied Signal Aerospace Company, Hughes Research Laboratories and Avcon, Inc. He has been granted multiple patents in the area of electric machines and electromagnetic devices. Huynh has a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University.

Motor & Drive Systems Conference 2018 is a leading global event focused on the latest technical advancements impacting the design and integration of motor, drive systems and motion control for manufacturing, industrial and packaging, as well as automotive/EV applications. Conference topics will include improving motor efficiency and reliability, regulatory and safety issues, testing standards and programs, emerging and high-growth applications, developing and pairing motor and drive systems, and improving loss prediction and calculation.

About Calnetix Technologies

Calnetix Technologies, LLC (“Calnetix”), headquartered in Cerritos, Calif., is focused on Innovation That Drives Industries®. The company specializes in high-performance, high-speed motor generators and best-in-class advanced magnetic bearings and control systems. Calnetix’s patented, underlying technologies, which have been in use since the company’s inception in 1998, have made Calnetix a world leader in the design and production of high-speed machines. The company’s overall technology portfolio and system integration capabilities have led to development and production contracts with industry leaders and the start of many successful subsidiaries that focus on unique niche markets. For more information, please visit www.calnetix.com.

Contact:
Jim Rhodes
Rhodes Communications
+1.757.451.0602
jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

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Space Industry Pioneer, Entrepreneur and Inventor Announces Ultra-Small Satellite Enterprise

Abel Avellan Is Founder and CEO of AST&Science – Company will Manufacture Ultra-Small Satellites for Government and Commercial Applications

MIAMI – Dec. 14, 2017 – Abel Avellan, who built Emerging Markets Communications (EMC) from a start-up to a global leader in the satellite communications space, has launched a venture to manufacture a new generation of ultra-small satellites.

The manufacturing plan for AST&Science is to build a new kind of ultra-small satellite which is designed to be placed into low-earth orbit (LEO). The satellites, called Microns, by the company, weigh approximately seven ounces and are designed to work in concert with larger nano and micro satellites.

AST&Science has already completed the system design of its proprietary technology and has filed patents for key elements of its intellectual property in the United States, Europe, Japan and other countries. The company is preparing to commence manufacturing in mid-2018, and is actively investing in related technologies of ultra-small satellites. It is currently bidding for the first launch partner both in the U.S. and internationally.

“The satellite industry has been slow to adopt miniaturization technologies,” said Avellan. “What happened to mainframe computers will happen to current and future satellite architectures based on today’s technology. AST&Science, with its proprietary technologies, will be at the forefront of this miniaturization revolution in space, enabling us to create a totally new business model that will dramatically change the way satellites are designed, manufactured and launched.”

About Abel Avellan:

Abel Avellan is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of AST&Science. He is a 25-year veteran in the global satellite communications sector. Avellan created and built EMC into the world’s fastest-growing satellite service provider several years in a row. EMC was sold for $550 million in 2016. Avellan was named Satellite Teleport Executive of the Year in 2017 and was the recipient of the Satellite Transaction of the Year award by Euroconsult in 2015. Avellan is also co-inventor of 17 U.S. patented technologies.

Contacts:

Andrea Moya
AST&Science
+1 305-913-7106
amoya@ast-science.com

Jim Rhodes
Rhodes Communications
+1 757-451-0602
jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

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Volvo Penta Is Becoming Go-To Choice for Repowers in North American Work Boat Market

(CHESAPEAKE, Va.) – Nov. 30, 2017 – When it comes to repowering, vessel operators are increasingly looking at their return on investment in terms of total lifetime costs for purchasing and operating their new engines. That’s why so many of them are turning to Volvo Penta.

“The word is spreading around the waterfront that Volvo Penta is the best buy for repowering. Our lineup of modern marine diesels provide a combination of faster speeds to station, better fuel economy, longer service intervals and fewer service calls, as well as industry-leading low-RPM torque performance,” said Jens Bering, vice president of marine sales, Volvo Penta of the Americas. “What this means for vessel operators is more productivity and less downtime.”

Improving Productivity

The lobster industry is booming, buoyed by increased exports to Asia, and many lobster fishermen are taking advantage of the opportunity to repower their vessels. Justin Bruland, owner of Daddy’s Princess, out of Marathon, Florida, is one of them. He recently installed a pair of Volvo Penta D13 700 hp engines to replace the existing 780 hp diesels from another manufacturer. The repower was performed by FDDA, a Volvo Penta Power Center.

Bruland has since put over 300 hours on the new engines, and he sees a big difference in productivity. “In the past I’ve used about 140 gallons to take 400 traps out. Now I have 1,000 traps on the boat and I’m able to get out to our fishing spot using about 200 gallons. I’m hauling more than double the traps and using only slightly more fuel.”

Going Green

Commercial vessel operators in California are taking advantage of grants available from the state to repower with cleaner-burning engines. Phil Havlicek, owner of Reel Time Charters, used grant money from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to repower his 2000 Cabo Express with twin Volvo Penta D6 300 hp engines.

“Previously I had mechanical 350 hp turbocharged engines. They were good for their time but lacked low-end torque and were not clean burning,” said Havlicek. “With the Volvo Penta engines I have picked up fuel efficiency. I’m not seeing smoke, and they are quiet. I’m getting extra knots on the top end and most importantly a lot of low-end torque. I have a state-of-the-art boat that should last me well into my next stage of life.”

Havlicek uses the boat for salmon fishing, eco tours, sightseeing and memorials at sea. Reel Time has over 500 hours on its engines since being put back into service in July 2017.

Reducing Fuel Consumption and Noise

Since repowering their 1950s-era tug Miss Anne with a Volvo Penta D16C-MH keel-cooled engine last year, W.F. Magann Corp. is pleased with the result. The engine is approaching 1,000 hours, and so far there have been no service calls. The boat is much more fuel efficient, according to Magann, and the crew especially likes the low noise level onboard.

The repower was performed by Western Branch Diesel, a Volvo Penta Power Center. “We repowered with the 650 hp 1800-RPM Volvo Penta D16C-MH,” said Tim Walters, marine sales manager of Western Branch Diesel. “The keel-cooled engine was chosen for its fuel efficiency, weight-to-power ratio and a complementary size to the available space in the engine room.”

Boosting Performance

When the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) acquired a 1980s-vintage Zodiac RIB, the decision was made to repower with a Volvo Penta D4 225 hp Aquamatic engine. The installation on the 28-ft. RIB, overseen by Helmut’s Marine, includes a Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit System, which gives the operator a full overview of engine data and control of navigation with touchscreen displays.

On Lake Tahoe the boat has been used for training USFS staff, and was taken to the Oroville dam disaster in early 2017.

“The new Volvo Penta engine, combined with the drivetrain, weight and torque allow us to get up to speed and cross wakes easily with stability,” reported Joe Cook, patrol captain for the USS Tahoe National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. “It has performed excellently. This was the boat everyone wanted to be on during training. We all really noticed how stable the boat was and the power we were getting from the engine.”

Local Service Is Critical

“Without doubt, a key driver of our surging repower business is our extraordinary network of Power Centers and servicing dealers backed by our factory service engineers,” said Bering. “A common denominator in all these repower stories is that local service and technical support is absolutely critical.”

Bruland, Daddy’s Princess’ owner, said that the customer service and support from FDDA has been great. He only experienced one minor issue, which was resolved right away – on a Sunday. Havlicek agrees. He said the team at Helmut’s Marine made the whole process of securing the Air District grant and installing the new engine easy and seamless.

“We’re investing heavily in ongoing training for technicians to strengthen our worldwide service network,” said Bering. “We’re continually expanding our training courses, both at our in-house training center and at strategic remote locations. In the last year alone, more than 1,000 technicians attended our schools.”

For high-resolution images, visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/f2dr5rgqkiiop01/AABlF0wPQ2ZlHgWyE51ZIGjSa?dl=0.

About Volvo Penta

Volvo Penta, with approximately 3,500 dealers in over 130 countries, is a world-leading and global manufacturer of engines and complete power systems for boats, vessels and industrial applications. The engine program comprises diesel and gasoline engines with power outputs of between 10 and 1,000 hp. Volvo Penta is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy trucks, buses and construction equipment.

Connect with Volvo Penta of the Americas on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest company news and insights.

For further information, please contact:

Christine Carlson
Volvo Penta of the Americas
Phone: +1 (757) 382 4084
E-mail: christine.carlson@volvo.com

Jim Rhodes
Rhodes Communications, Inc.
Phone: +1 (757) 451 0602
E-mail: jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

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