With the doors now open at the RAI centre in Amsterdam and the METSTRADE show in full swing, anticipation for the DAME Awards was certainly murmuring. It didn’t take long for the wait to be over as the winner was announced during this morning’s breakfast broadcast on METSTRADE TV. Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking was crowned the overall winner of the 30th DAME Design Awards.

“It is an honour that our Volvo Penta Assisted Docking System received the DAME Design Award and the overall DAME award,” says Johan Inden, President of the Marine Business at Volvo Penta. “It is all thanks to the in-depth experience of the Volvo Penta team – who are experts in technology and boating – but also the openness of our customers. The connections we have with our customers – boat builders and boat owners – drives our technology development and ideas for innovation. And this provides a strong foundation for our long-term evolution of easy boating.”

The Assisted Docking System by Volvo Penta was draped in accolades as it also came out as joint winner in the category of ‘Machinery, propulsion, mechanical and electrical systems, and fittings.’ It’s no wonder either, as it’s the first fully-integrated Assisted Docking system in the industry.

“It is an absolute privilege to be awarded the overall DAME award for our Assisted Docking System,” says Anders Thorin, Product Manager Electronics, Volvo Penta. “Delivering game-changing innovation is in our DNA. We’re always looking for ways to support our customer's easy boating experience and this system takes that to the next level. Docking is probably the task that boaters fear the most but with Volvo Penta Assisted Docking we can enable everyone, no matter the skill level, to enjoy being out on the water calmly and safely.”

As always with the DAME Awards, the shortlist was wide and had entries ranging from fire safety equipment, lighting components all the way through to marine clothing. Each product was assessed by the jury, made up of eight leading experts in their field, who assessed the evidence of excellence in every aspect of the product design.

“For many years now we have seen Volvo Penta working on solutions that make close-quarters manoeuvres easier and safer,” Andre Hoek, yacht designer, commented on behalf of the DAME award jury. “The Assisted Docking solution really illustrates everything we are looking for in the DAME. It is the result of in-depth research, development, and extensive software and hardware design. The system is intuitive to use and even the hand controller feels nice to the touch. Great design has a critical role to play in bringing new people into boating. For us, this year, Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking solution ticked all the DAME Awards’ many boxes.”

The Assisted Docking System by Volvo Penta, alongside the other 52 products shortlisted for the award are currently being showcased at the METSTRADE show at RAI centre in Amsterdam, which runs through to the 18th of November.

superyachttimes.com