On the move with XEAMOS

We also share news about some fruitful meetings we’ve had this year with key Xeamos partners in Spain and France. And we start this newsletter with a case study of a superyacht project that illustrates the in-depth support we offer to back up our emission-reducing systems.

Every step of the way…

One of the assets Xeamos brings to the table for yacht builders is our ability to cover the complete scope of an emissions-reducing solution, from engine outlet to hull penetrations. That was the case with an 85-metre motor yacht from a renowned yard in a recent project that also involved close cooperation with our Dutch colleagues from MarQuip.

The original brief called for meeting emission limits, ensuring low noise levels and designing a system that would fit in an engine room where real estate was at a premium. As the engine has a specific minimum and maximum backpressure demand depending on rpm, a backpressure-regulating valve also need to be added to the design.

Bespoke solutions

The SCR unit itself was custom built to meet the customer’s needs and engineered to be directly connected to the engine and make optimum use of the available space above the engine. A bespoke type and size of SCR catalyst was used to keep the system as compact as possible. Multiple arrangements for maximum sound attenuation were integrated within the SCR unit. The active valve to regulate the backpressure was also specifically engineered, offering a custom component that manages to be rugged while remaining compact and easy to install.

Team work

Another part of the project involved close cooperation between MarQuip and Xeamos on a high-grade stainless steel wet exhaust system which includes water injection equipment and class-approved valves.

Wet exhaust valve integration

To minimise the number of components and simplify installation and integration, the controls of the backpressure-regulating valve and wet exhaust valves were included in the Xeamos control panel. After an extensive review of documents with all parties involved, the complete functionality of the valve control as well as all safety related pre-conditions were designed and validated. Adding further value to the Xeamos system, we also supplied the local panels for monitoring and manual control of the wet exhaust valves.

Having ensured engineering and production to the highest quality standards, the installation was then supervised by Xeamos. The system has since been commissioned by a Xeamos technician and the results were spot on, precisely meeting the brief and proposed specs.

Meet our new general manager

Xeamos welcomed a new general manager in February when Bertil Breijnaerts took up the role. Leveraging on decades of experience from a technical, sales and management background in the aviation technology and technical service sectors, Bertil is now overseeing the daily operations of Xeamos while company founder Alwin de Kock becomes technical director. As Xeamos continues to grow, Alwin will focus on the further technical development of the Xeamos product portfolio and support R&D/Controls, Engineering and Sales.

What attracted you to join Xeamos, Bertil?
Xeamos is an acknowledged industry leader in the highly specialised field of emission-reducing solutions. Its clean air technologies and applications allow clients to meet the increasingly stringent rules related to soot and NOx emissions. They also ensure an exceptional degree of noise attenuation and I welcomed the opportunity to be part of this exciting journey.

How do you see the coming years?

Xeamos’ market share in the superyacht and other maritime sectors has grown exponentially due to the company’s ability to offer genuinely custom products. This flexibility is also attractive to other industries looking for aftertreatment solutions, ranging from offshore wind to power generation. Xeamos’ standard OEM products are flying off the shelves too, allowing for instance EU fishing vessels to meet the latest sustainability regulations.

Is this why Xeamos is moving to new premises?
Yes, at the current pace of growth larger facilities were clearly necessary in order to sustain our premium levels of client support and to – literally and metaphorically – enable further expansion in the future. The new building will provide us with some 900 square metres of offices and around 800 square metres of workshop and warehouse space.

As you’d expect from a company committed to developing innovative emissions-reduction solutions for a better environment, our new facilities will be highly sustainable. The building will feature an eco-friendly thermal energy heat pump system and all the power required will be generated by solar panels. We are due to relocate to these newly constructed premises in early 2024 and are very much looking forward to all the extra opportunities this will bring.

Partners in excellence
As a key player in providing reducing emissions on superyachts, Xeamos is intricately involved in the type of after-treatment systems often requested on major refits. One of our leading partners is MB92 and we recently held training days with its project managers on-site in Barcelona and in the French port of La Ciotat. The courses focused on how best to communicate with owners and captains about the flexible and sustainable options available at Xeamos for reducing soot levels and tackling hydrocarbons.

Another series of meetings were held at NPS Yachting in Antibes to ensure even higher levels of service to our clients in the Côte D’Azur region. NPS is the Xeamos dealer for France and we spent a very productive time working together on training and strategic issues. As a premium distribution partner for Xeamos in relation to both new build and refit projects, the company also supports clients with after-sales and spare parts, priding itself on being the ideal location to access our SCR and diesel particle filters.