HamiltonJet

HAMILTONJET

Propelling into the Future Led by quality and innovation, we speak to Ben Reed, Managing Director of HamiltonJet, about the company’s varied and high-quality propulsion systems for the international boat market Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Ryan Gray

It is often said that we punch above our weight for a remote nation of five million people!”

For Ben Reed, Managing Director of HamiltonJet, New Zealand is an innovative nation that holds a lot of promise.

“New Zealand only represents three percent of our total market. However, it is a great example of a forward-thinking country with high-value industries and professional operators that want the benefits our technology brings,” he explains.

“It also has a reputation across the globe as a center for marine innovation, with events like the America’s Cup showcasing how our challenging water conditions and Kiwi ingenuity have bred a fighting spirit and deep competence on the water.”

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MANUFACTURING

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HAMILTONJET HamiltonJet are the world’s leading manufacturer (by market share) of waterjets and vessel control systems in the commercial and military space.

FROM PAST TO PRESENT The company was founded in 1939 by New Zealand industrialist Sir William Hamilton, widely recognized as the grandfather of the modern waterjet.

Today it employs 400 people in six countries; 350 of these people are based in Christchurch, New Zealand, where all design, development, manufacturing and business functions reside, with another three regional offices totalling approximately 50 staff in Singapore, London and Seattle collectively.

These regional offices support 55 distributors across the globe with parts, sales, and service support. 97

percent of HamiltonJet’s products are exported to its various customers all over the world, and the company provides products across multiple sections of the market. These include boats such as offshore, pilot, search and rescue, fire, patrol and military, wind farm, fast ferry, fishing, recreational, and aquaculture.

QUALITY CRAFT “Our smallest jet, the HJ212 is found in small craft, upwards of five metres long. It weighs 80 kilograms and would usually be found in single or twin driveline form with simple cable actuated controls,” Reed elaborates.

“We then have another 17 different jet sizes, ending up with the HT1000; an 8,000-kilogram monster that would be found in pairs or quad configuration, in oil and gas or military

WATERJETS EXPLAINED A waterjet generates propulsive thrust from the reaction created when water is forced in a rearward direction. It works in relation to Newton’s Third Law of Motion – “every action has an equal and opposite reaction”. A good example of this is the recoil felt on the shoulder when firing a rifle, or the thrust felt when holding a powerful firehose. Put simply, the discharge of a high velocity jet stream generates a reaction force in the opposite direction, which is transferred through the body of the jet unit to the craft’s hull, propelling it forward.

In a boat hull the jet unit is mounted inboard in the aft section. Water enters the jet unit intake on the bottom of the boat, at boat speed, and is accelerated through the jet unit and discharged through the transom at a high velocity. The pumping unit, which includes the impeller and stator, increases the pressure, or “head”, of the flow. This high-pressure flow is discharged at the nozzle as a high velocity jet stream. The driveshaft attaches at the coupling to turn the impeller.

Steering is achieved by changing the direction of the stream of water as it leaves the jet unit. Pointing the jet stream one way forces the stern of the boat in the opposite direction which puts the vessel into a turn.

Reverse is achieved by lowering an astern deflector (E) into the jet stream after it leaves the nozzle. This reverses the direction of the force generated by the jet stream, forward and down, to keep the boat stationary or propel it in the astern direction.

LAPP Leader in Cable & Connectivity Solutions LAPP has remained in continuous family ownership since it was founded in 1959. The LAPP organisation is renowned globally for its levels of quality, innovation and for its commitment to ethical values and service.

LAPP is a leading supplier of integrated solutions and branded products in the field of cable and connection technology. The company’s portfolio includes standard and highly flexible cables, industrial connectors and cable entry systems, customised system solutions, automation technology and robotics solutions for the intelligent factory of the future, as well as technical accessories. LAPP’s core market is in the industrial machinery and plant engineering sector, and its technologies extend into the food and beverage, water and wastewater, energy, marine, industrial communication, electrical contractor, and mobility sectors.

“LAPP Australia offers a one-stop shop for highly integrated, efficient and reliable systems which comply with the leading Australian, European and American compliance and quality standards, which are among the most demanding in the world. In addition to major LAPP brands of product – such as OLFLEX®, UNITRONIC®, HITRONIC®, SKINTOP®, SILVIN®, EPIC, FLEXIMARK®, and ETHERLINE® – Lapp Australia will focus strongly on world-class total solutions incorporating highly compatible components from the one source.

This integrated approach will save customers time and money when assembling optimum solutions to their particular needs, while ensuring proven reliability in service,” says Lapp Australia General Manager, Mr Simon Pullinger.

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Make the right connection with LAPP Australia

HAMILTONJET

North America Outlook: What sets HamiltonJet apart from its competitors in the industry?

Ben Reed: “We genuinely believe that our products are the best in the industry, but I guess everyone says that whether it is true or not!

“I think the key differentiator in our customers’ eyes is the reliability and support of our systems. These are largely commercial and military operators for whom uptime is paramount. We have a reputation for bullet-proof reliability and durability, with our products often outlasting the hulls they are in. And when it comes to warranty and support, we do not quibble. If something is our fault, we fix it. And if not, we still have a ‘fix-first and ask questions later’ approach which customers love.

“The water jet industry is relatively niche in global marine terms, so the foundation for delivering this is our support network. With the highest levels of parts stocking in the industry at our regional warehouses, 55 global distributors, and some of the most experienced people in the industry, we are consistently on site with the right parts or service whilst others are left waiting.

“Our large size relative to our jet competitors and length of time in the industry are clearly factors in this. Building an ability as a newcomer or small player to be everywhere in the world at a moment’s notice would be impossible.”

applications, up to 70 metres with electronically controlled hydraulic controls.”

According to Reed, waterjets offer several advantages over alternative propulsion systems. They are efficient in their speed and manoeuvrability, and safe in the water (with no rotating appendage), as well as being suitable for shallow water areas.

“The manoeuvrability comes from the combination of a steerable nozzle and a deplorable reverse duct, which work together to give a fully vectorable thrust, 360 degrees round the jet unit,” Reed elaborates.

“As a result, they appeal to many customer types, including fast ferries, pilot boats, military, patrol, rescue, windfarm and offshore platform support, fire and ambulance boats, tourist vessels, and a small amount of higher value custom recreation builds.

“Not only do these vessels take their waterjets from HamiltonJet, but they also use our control systems, meaning the skipper is interfacing directly with HamiltonJet products (helms, levers, joysticks, displays etc) in order to pilot the craft.”

The advent of electronic controls has revolutionized the ease-of-use of these vessels and provided a ‘future ready’ platform for advancements like autonomy, driveline electrification and the general digitization of the modern vessel. Today, HamiltonJet is still focused on waterjets and related controls, ensuring that it knows the market and minimizing distraction from it.

“We think it makes us more responsive to our customers’ needs and focused on our efforts,” Reed informs us. “We also remain family owned, with a strong culture of care for our people and a commitment to remain operating from our home in Christchurch.”

INVESTING IN DEVELOPMENT Over the last five years, HamiltonJet has ramped up its investment in

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Norinco Norinco is a multi-faceted organisation committed to providing holistic solutions to partners, customers and stakeholders.

Originally formed in 1942 in Calcutta, India as the NORway INdia COmpany, Norinco has grown to service a range of business verticals such as Marine Equipment, Oceanographic Research & Equipment, Steel and Hydrogen.

Built on a legacy of global quality standards and impeccable work ethics, our reputation as reliable experts ensures we work with the best partners and suppliers globally.

From advisory and consultation to idea and execution, from delivery and implementation to annual maintenance, we’re present every step of the way.

Marine Equipment & Services: We bridge the gap between the OEM and the ship builder. By leveraging our global network of leading equipment manufacturers, we’re able to deliver integrated solutions. Foreign OEM’s trust us for personalised guidance in the challenging Indian market.

From hull to mast and engine room to cranes, we cover everything from concept to ship rollout and AMC’s.

Oceanographic Equipment & Research: The manufacturing, delivery and maintenance of sophisticated scientific research equipment is the core of our efforts here.

Steel: Today, we have unrivalled ties to India’s top steel producers to provide Graphite Electrodes, essential elements for Steel Furnaces. True to our form, we’ve brought the global leader and inventor of Graphite Electrodes, Graftech, to the Indian steel market.

Hydrogen: Our efforts here are driven by our representation of NEL Hydrogen, a global leader in Hydrogen production. As their exclusive India partners, we service the needs of businesses and individuals alike.

www.norinco.co.in contact@norinco.co.in

“Our legacy of nearly 80 years of operations across business verticals has been built primarily on the strength of our relationships with our partners and customers, globally. Today, we are proud to contribute to over a billion dollars worth of sales for our foreign OEM partners, who we represent in India” Nikhil Mathew, Director Norinco Pvt. Ltd. A proud, second-generation, family business owner, Mathew is extremely optimistic about the future, and with good reason. Established in 1942, Norinco has carved a niche for itself in the Indian market with a proven track record and a growing range of premium clientele. In this candid conversation, Mathew shares his thoughts on the journey so far and how he is now looking towards a future for Norinco powered by technological innovation.

Norinco has been around for some time now, how did it all start for the company?

While we are an Indian company through and through, interestingly, Norinco was founded in Kolkata back in 1942 by two Norwegian gentlemen.

Being entrepreneurial and industrious individuals, they capitalised on market opportunities and existing business ties to begin supplying paper pulp and Ferro Alloys from Norway to India. This soon expanded into supplying Ferro Alloy plants across the country.

An essential element in the production of steel, Norinco quickly became the preferred supplier for Ferro Alloys for most of India’s major steel manufacturers. Thanks to close ties with the Norwegian business community, soon enough Norinco began representing a lot of Norwegian marine technology companies, helping them create a presence and initiate sales in India. It was during these initial years my father, George Mathew, joined the leadership team at Norinco. Over the years, his contribution and responsibilities increased, ultimately resulting in his acquisition of the company itself. In fact, my father, the MD of Norinco today, has twice been knighted by the king of Norway for promoting business ties between the two countries, an honor he holds very dear to his heart.

Since then, we have worked tirelessly to create value for our partners and customers alike, expanding our operations across the country with an established presence across all major port cities in India. Today, through our representation of the world’s leading equipment manufacturers, our capabilities have grown both in range of services and depth of knowledge. From navigational equipment on board vessels to complete on board accommodation, after sales maintenance and AMC’s , we are present at every step.

Tell us about a few major milestones in Norinco’s journey Marinor India: Established as a JV between Maritime Montering AS (Marinacc), Norway and Norinco, Marinor India was founded in 2010. Upon identifying a gap in the market for state-of-the-art marine accommodation, we joined hands with a leading Norwegian

company to service the requirement. Today, Marinor India employs over 400 people, and has completed over 20 commercial vessels and is also installing accommodation onboard India’s first Indigenously built aircraft carrier.

Syncrolift AS: In 2004 Syncrolift with Norinco’s local support supplied and installed India’s first ever shiplift and transfer system of 10000 ton capacity to the Indian Navy and since then have supplied and have contracts for several other such systems in India to government and naval shipyards. Norinco has taken care of various aspects of this business including sales, marketing, after-sales support, local procurement and administrative and contractual consulting. We are currently assisting Syncrolift for another 2 shiplift and transfer systems under execution. Norinco also supports Syncrolift in comprehensive maintenance contracts with the Navy for their systems.

RHI India: What began as an exclusive partnership to bring world class refractories to the Indian market, eventually evolved into a much larger strategic collaboration. By 2007, after many decades of a successful partnership, Norinco had built up a team of 40 highly trained engineers dedicated to RHI’s interests and sales. Eventually, we advised, consulted and guided RHI on how to set up an Indian entity, later known as RHI India, and thus began our joint venture as strategic partners. When we eventually handed over our share in the company, RHI India had a turnover of 500 Million Euros. Today, they are the largest seller and producer of carbon refractory bricks in the country.

times, we were also able to leverage our financial muscle and provide the necessary inventory of spares, ensuring the Navy’s requests never went unfulfilled.

A highly organised and motivated team, HamiltonJet treats their people and partners like family. We’ve come to truly appreciate their depth of knowledge and breadth of expertise, which is complemented wonderfully by the trust and faith they place in all their partners. Sharing a common goal of providing the best quality of service possible to the customer, makes our work with these global pioneers a constant delight.

Norinco and HamiltonJet: A few major projects: Indian Navy: The Indian navy commissioned 14 attack craft vessels, fondly known as the Ferrari of the water, that were built from the period of 2007–2017. Each of these attack crafts were fitted with Hamilton waterjet propulsion and systems Ministry of Home Affairs: Following the tragic 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, the MoHA commissioned the development of 120 coastal security police boats, each being powered by two Hamilton waterjet Indian Army: In May 2021, HamiltonJet was awarded a contract to supply 24 Waterjets for 12 Patrol boats of the Indian Army, designed for higher altitudes.

AMC for research vessels, Govt. of India: We look after all the scientific equipment onboard six research vessels that belong to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India and one research vessel that belongs to the Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Mines. We’re also the only company in India to offer these services for 25+ years and have a team of highly experienced engineers sailing onboard these vessels 24/7, 365 days a year.

Our company has proved over the last 80 years that we are ideally placed to service the needs of the Indian marine and oceanographic industry. We have earned the trust of our partners and customers and today are positioning ourselves for an even more meaningful contribution in the future. We are investing heavily into technology and are keen on working with partners that share our vision and are looking to make an impact in the Indian ecosystem.

Describe your partnership with Hamilton Jet in India After a rigorous 2 year long evaluation and selection period, we are proud to say HamiltonJet chose us as their exclusive representatives in India. At the time, HamiltonJet was facing serious concerns with their India partners, causing much unwanted strife with the Indian Navy, their primary clients in India. I’m happy to report that our engineers were able to go in and resolve long standing issues in an impressive amount of time, earning the trust of our partners and the respect of their clients. During these difficult

Start a conversation with us, write in to contact@norinco.co.in, LinkedIn: Norinco Private Limited www.norinco.co.in

HAMILTONJET its products and technological development. This is a fundamental element to the company’s strategy and covers multiple parts of HamiltonJet’s operation, as Reed elaborates.

“In the area of waterjets, we are working on gradually replacing our entire waterjet line-up with newer, more efficient, and more robust models,” he tells us. “Each new jet is coming in between three and seven percent higher in its propulsive efficiency than the model it replaces, delivering lower fuel consumption and higher speed.

“They also generate more thrust at lower speeds which is great for certain applications like wind-farm support.

These new jet models are also easier to install and simpler to integrate.”

In the control systems space, HamiltonJet recently introduced a new electronic system designed to the most rigorous Class Authority standards - AVX.

“This, plus the soon to be released AVXexpress for smaller craft will replace both of our older control systems and offer a solid platform for future technology integration,” Reed explains. “Both systems offer multiple layers of redundancy, exceptional reliability and availability, and some truly innovative features. The best example is our GPS based control system called JETanchor which can automatically hold position and precisely manoeuvre a vessel with incredible accuracy.”

FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES The marine industry faces three significant trends which are shaping HamiltonJet’s future product strategy: automation, electrification and digitization.

Exalto Bearings UK Limited are honoured to be associated with a company like Hamilton Jets.

As an ISO9001:2015 accredited company we adhere to strict quality procedures and continually strive to making improvements to our products whilst maintaining our high levels of Quality.

Our manufacturing facility in Derby is a well-controlled, efficient, but friendly operation where the need for customer care and satisfaction is understood from all of the workforce so allowing Exalto to provide an honest and personal service that can only be provided by a tightknit team.

Automation “Operators are increasingly looking at forms of vessel remote control, autonomy and skipper-assistance

North America Outlook: Tell us about your employees and how HamiltonJet recognizes their contribution to the company?

Ben Reed: “We have 400 staff, around half of whom are in the field of operations, 50 of which are overseas in our regional offices, and the rest of whom are office workers and engineers in Christchurch.

“HamiltonJet has been working really hard to improve communication and keep people abreast as to how the business is going and how we are doing against our strategy. We try to show our appreciation for them with quarterly barbecues and other smaller events. We also have a Christmas breakup party which is in our summer. Last year it involved taking the whole team jet boating on the Waimakariri river, with a barbecue and craft beers, brewed by members of the team.

“HamiltonJet has an enviable staff retention rate. We are one of the more interesting companies to work for in the area, especially for engineers, so finding local talent is not difficult. We also have cultural great diversity, with 50 percent of our staff being born outside New Zealand. HamiltonJet regularly hires from overseas and has no trouble attracting people to such a wonderful country and location.”

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Exalto

www.exalto.co.uk

RYCO Over the years, RYCO Hydraulics has developed a strong partnership with HamiltonJet. HamiltonJet waterjet is one of the most advanced and innovative marine propulsion systems.

RYCO has had a proud history of providing hydraulic hose and fittings to the marine industry. Today’s maritime and vessel fleets rely heavily on their hydraulic systems and growth in this sector has demanded the need for fast and efficient service.

We provide HamiltonJet with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) hose kits and all hydraulic hoses are pressure tested and tagged with QRAM labels and this is all done within our Auckland facility.

At RYCO, we offer transparency in engagement with OEM’s like HamiltonJet and are truly committed to building longterm partnerships with our clients.

Our customer care and technical support coupled with 75 years of industry expertise and Know How provide superior support to our clients enabling increased efficiency and continuous improvements.

MANUFACTURING

At Exalto Bearings UK we manufacture high quality rubber-lined and composite cutlass bearings for the pump and marine industries, in both bespoke as well as more standard sizes. All bearings are produced at our in-house workshop and we specialise in the manufacture of non-standard sizes. Bearings can be supplied in a number of shell materials and lined with compounds such as Nitrile, Polyurethane, EPDM or Viton. Because of our extensive range of tooling a non-standard bearing for quick turnarounds can easily be

Exalto Bearings UK Ltd Unit 8C1, Sir Francis Ley Industrial Estate Shaftesbury Street, Derby, DE23 8XA, United Kingdom

produced. For larger Flanged bearings we can offer a re-lining service to reduce the price of a new bearing.

Over the last 25 years we have built a reputation for both the quality and reliability of our bearings as well as our friendly and professional service and now work with businesses in over 40 countries worldwide.

T: +44 (0) 1332 340 501 / F: +44 (0) 1332 340 252 E: sales@exalto.co.uk exalto.co.uk

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HAMILTONJET to improve safety and productivity,” Reed informs us. “The applications in this field include military (such as unmanned minesweeping), survey and oil and gas vessels.

“We have been working for over 20 years in this area and have over 170 vessels equipped with some level of autonomy or remote control around the world. We continue to work with all the leading manufacturers of autonomous systems, but more recently signed an agreement with Sea Machines Robotics to develop a HamiltonJet pilot-assistance tool that will be integrated at the helm and use an augmented reality vision system, fused with radar and AIS, to allow autonomous route following with collision alert and avoidance.

“This will be available sometime late 2022 and will be an option on all vessels with AVX electronic controls.”

Electrification There is a global and industry-wide

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pressure to clean up the carbon footprint of the marine industry.

Stemming from this, the area of electrification has become a key aspect of development for both the good of the environment and to answer the demand of the customer base.

“It has been surprising to us just how quickly this trend has gone from being something of interest, to a strong buying driver with operators willing to pay a premium for the right technologies,” Reed says. “Last year, we launched our own electro-hybrid drive system called EHX. “Essentially it is an integration of batteries, electric motors, and diesel engines, and the system can also be used on an all-electric vessel. We were driven to do this after being involved with multiple projects where the detailed integration seemed to be left to the last minute.

“We wanted to grasp hold of the whole thing and deliver a fully

Q-West Boat Builders Q-West Boat Builders was established in 1996 and is a leading commercial aluminium boat builder specialising in custom fabrication of vessels from 10-40 metres.

The facility based in Whanganui, New Zealand has been the local centre of vessel construction for over sixty years. Q-West has been at the forefront of new designs, components, developments and vessel applications.

Our yard prides itself on the diverse range of craft that have been constructed, from foil assisted, jet propelled, quad engine tourist vessels to hybrid electric vessels.

Q-West has been a longstanding customer of HamiltonJet, installing more jet units in New Zealand than any other builder. HamiltonJet’s quality, support and commitment to development has ensured our strong relationship will continue.

sales@q-west.co.nz

MANUFACTURING

NEW ZEALAND’S PRE-EMINENT BOAT BUILDERS

+64 6 349 0035 sales@q-west.co.nz

Whanganui, New Zealand

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HAMILTONJET integrated hybrid propulsion system that operated in a fully automatic mode, switching between power sources and optimizing the use of electrical energy. This product is now available to the market and the first installation we did was on our own vessel. We bought and converted a 15-meter foiling catamaran called Aria which is now capable of running nine knots on electrical drive only, diesel only (or charging the batteries) up to 37 knots and can boost performance with both together up to 42 knots.”

HamiltonJet deployed Aria at the America’s Cup in March as a showcase as to what could be achieved with this new technology.

The system also boasts reduced sound when stationary or at lowspeed cruising while using the electric option.

Digitization Alongside the increasingly innovative electrification of engine systems, integrating digitization into products is a key demand, and one that HamiltonJet has answered.

“The modern vessel is an increasingly complex system-ofsystems,” Reed elaborates. “The propulsion controls, navigation, alarms, hotel services, and other elements are increasingly intelligent and connected systems.

“As primary vessel controls, our system has the potential to be a central hub for information about the vessel. We are currently developing a vessel monitoring, data logging and IoT system to complement our products that will allow operators to interrogate their journeys and activities in absolute detail from the ship or the shore.

It even captures data on the movements of vessels around them through AIS. This will ultimately support productivity optimization, preventative maintenance, issue response and accident investigation.”

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QUALITY IN THE MARKET Today’s HamiltonJet offers many advantages over competing drive systems: RELIABILITY: Fewer moving parts with most major components inboard and out of harm’s way.

MANOEUVRABILITY: Split duct reverse bucket and JT nozzle combine for excellent manoeuvrability.

SPEED: Optimized for speeds from 25-55 knots.

EFFICIENCY: Meets or exceeds the best prop designs at speed of 30 knots or better.

SHALLOW WATER OPERATION: The ability to go where other props simply can’t.

HamiltonJet has three regional offices supporting over 55 distributors and dealers located all over the world.

The HamiltonJet waterjet is particularly suited to high-speed planing vessels operating in the 20 to 50 knot range but can also be successfully used in displacement speed vessels in certain situations like Dive Support.

It is important to understand that waterjet propulsion operates quite differently to conventional propeller propulsion systems. This results in many advantages, when compared to propellers for any particular application.

Anyone considering waterjets needs to understand how they work and how best to set up a vessel to make best use of this superior propulsion technology.

MANUFACTURING

Customised water sealing solutions for maximising jet reliability

A High Performance Partnership Proudly supporting Australian Boat Building

Over 25 years of sealing experience within Australasia.

EAGLEBURGMANN AUSTRALASIA PTY LTD New Zealand: sales@nz.eagleburgmann.com TEL +64 9 448 5001

www.jetsynergy.com.au

Seascape Marine Services (Pty) Ltd proud Hamilton Jet Distributors for Sub – Saharan Africa.

www.hamiltonjet.co.nz

“ Giving expert advice to the Metal Finishing Industry . . . for more than 45 years ”

INDUSTRIES LIMITED Abrasives : Polishing : Plating : Engineering Supplies : Lubricants Branches throughout New Zealand Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hastings, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Dunedin

www.ppsindustries.co.nz 124 Marine Drive, Service Road, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, South Africa

seascape_marine_services +27 21 511 8201 info@seascapemarine.co.za

www.seascapemarine.co.za North America Outlook issue 04 | 13

HAMILTONJET

THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS HamiltonJet waterjets are manufactured at the CWF Hamilton & Co factory in Christchurch, New Zealand. The factory is dedicated solely to the manufacture of waterjets and control systems, with the majority of components engineered inhouse.

The basic manufacturing process is: • The waterjet housings and other aluminium components are sand cast, then go through a waterblast and fettle process before being machined on dedicated CNC machine centers. They are then washed and painted.

• Stainless steel components such as mainshafts and couplings are turned and milled on CNC machines.

• Impellers are cast from molten stainless steel, before being machined, balanced, trimmed and pitched to a specific “impeller rating”.

• The waterjet controls systems, including hydraulic and electronic components, are also CNC machined, painted and assembled.

• All parts are then dispatched to the final assembly area where they are assembled and pressure tested, the control system is installed and tested, a final quality inspection is conducted, and they are then boxed up and shipped to the customer.

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BUILT TO SHIP HamiltonJet’s business is unique in the waterjet industry in that the company truly manufactures its products.

The company has a lean-production process delivering 18 different jet models over only two production flowlines. The process is designed around high-variety, low-volume and a hard to forecast model mix. Reed explains further; “It is a fully cellular, build to order, batch-of-one process utilizing four foundries, casting LM6 Aluminium, 316 Stainless and AB2 Bronze, over 50 CNC machines, fabrication, electronics assembly, hydraulics manufacture, paint and build,” he says.

“Over 90 percent of the weight of each jet unit manufactured is made to

MANUFACTURING

order from raw materials (ingot and bar-stock metals) inside our factories.

We do have some bought-in items in our products, but these are relatively small in the whole picture, and we carry sufficient stock to manage our output.

“Our very short, simple supply chains have been a real asset during the pandemic and gave us a high level of confidence in the delivery of each shipset on time, in full. Whilst we are located in New Zealand, boat building is a global business, so we are all facing the need to use global shipping to distribute our products. One lasting effect of COVID-19 is that sea and air freight has become more expensive and harder to book, but we work well in advance with shipping lines and

have a great success rate at getting our products to customers when we promised them.”

CHARTING 2021 For HamiltonJet, 2021 is looking like a busy year. According to Reed, there is an active increase in sales approaching pre-COVID levels, and on top of this, the company has a high number of high-profile projects in the electric and hybrid drive space.

“We have two new jet model releases (The HTX42 is imminent and the HJX27 at the end of 2021) and a ‘lite’ version of our control system called AVXexpress,” Reed tells us. “We will also be continuing our development work with Sea Machines on the pilot-assist system and a few

other innovations. We are excited by the way all these releases will improve the operational effectiveness of our customers.”

These developments represent the next stage of the company’s movement towards addressing the increasing demands of its worldwide customer base. With promising projects in the works, it is worth keeping an eye on HamiltonJet as a leading player in the boat systems manufacturing space.

marketing@hamiltonjet.nz www.hamiltonjet.com

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HAMILTONJET Gate 4 Lunns Rd PO Box 709 Christchurch New Zealand Phone: +64 3 962 0530 Fax: +64 3 962 0534 marketing@hamiltonjet.nz www.hamiltonjet.com

PRODUCED BY NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK MAGAZINE