2025 Australian Marine Industry Awards celebrates the excellence of Australia's marine sector
by AIMEX 22 May 04:48 PDT
20 May 2025
The Australian Marine Industry Awards Gala Dinner, a signature event of the Australian Superyacht Conference (ASMEX) 2025, was held on Tuesday 20 May 2025 at The Langham Gold Coast, welcoming 264 guests from across Australia and around the world.
Created to celebrate the outstanding dedication, excellence and innovation driving Australia's world-class marine industry, the Awards recognises eleven exceptional winners across the superyacht, commercial and export sectors. This year's Awards program attracted a record number of entries reflecting the industry's continued growth and ambition.
The Awards Gala Dinner commenced with guests gathering for pre-dinner drinks, generously hosted by Event Partner Benetti Yachts, where anticipation for the evening's presentation gained momentum.
Whilst enjoying the drinks, guests were introduced to a live painting exhibition by artist Elena Valerie, who spent the evening creating a stunning artwork of the Gold Coast vista featured in the conference logo. The live painting continued throughout the evening, culminating in an auction of the completed piece of art. Proceeds from the auction were generously donated to support a passionate young individual working toward qualifications to begin a career in the marine industry.
Following pre-dinner formalities, the 2025 Australian Marine Industry Awards presentations commenced with Australian Marine Industry judge Nav Bajwa, Director of Wholesale Banking and Financial Markets at Bank of Queensland presenting the 2025 Export Awards.
The 2025 Exporter of the Year was presented to Marine Air Flow International in recognition of their exceptional export growth in 2024. With sales reaching nearly 45% of total revenue, a 36% increase from the previous year, this achievement underscored the team's expertise and the company's global reputation for delivering complex, high-quality marine ventilation solutions.
Brad Marsden, Managing Director of Marine Air Flow International accepted the award, commenting; "Winning the Marinee Industry Exporter of the Year Award alongside our recent win of the Australian Exporter of the Year is an incredible milestone in what has been an amazing journey. At just 20 years old, Marine Air Flow International is proud to be recognised for our growth and global reach with the award being truly based on the efforts of our team and our unique profit-share model that empowers everyone in the business. For the first time in a long time, I can step away and confidently say I've been able to dedicate real time to my wife, not just my business, and that balance is a testament to the people behind this success. It has been an adventure to be part of this industry to share the room tonight with our export partners alongside Superyacht Australia and Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) makes it even more special. We thank everyone who has shared the journey with us."
The second export award of the evening, the 2025 Junior Exporter of the Year was presented to EVERCOR, a business who has rapidly established itself in the marine decking industry with its innovative 50% cork and 50% polymer composite material. Following strong exposure at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and at Metstrade with AIMEX, EVERCOR successfully delivered four 20-foot container loads to the USA and Italy in its first year of exporting, marking a significant achievement for the company in global markets.
Carlo Gosatti, CEO commented; "Just a couple of years ago we were at METSTRADE with AIMEX in the early stages of bringing our very first samples to market, where we made one of our first connections with an Italian distributor. We have been trying to solve an industry problem with our product and whilst we are not all the way there yet, we are getting close."
The highly competitive Superyacht category featured two standout awards, presented by Nicola Pomi, Vice President Yacht & Superyacht Division, Volvo Penta.
Echo Yachts claimed the first award, winning the 2025 Superyacht Industry Project, Design, or Manufacturer of the Year for the second consecutive year. Their award-winning refit of M/Y Just B was praised as one of the most extensive superyacht engineering and paint restoration projects completed in Australia. The project included a full repower with new diesel-electric engines delivering a 78% increase in range and fuel efficiency, revitalising the 52-year-old Dutch built vessel and showcasing Echo Yacht's world-class craftsmanship and technical capability.
The 2025 Superyacht Industry Service Provider of the Year Award was presented to Jones Bay Superyacht Marina for its exceptional redevelopment, which has redefined premium berthing in Australia. Central to the transformation is a 150-metre floating berth, the largest in Sydney, paired with the country's most advanced shore power system. This redevelopment has significantly raised the benchmark for superyacht service nationwide.
As the most highly contested category in 2025, the Superyacht Industry Service Provider of the Year award drew particularly close competition. For the second consecutive year, the judges elected to present a Highly Commended Certificate this year recognising the exceptional service and impact of Sweep Marine Services. The Judges recognised their critical work in confined space cleaning, coatings and encapsulation, along with their strategic expansion through the opening of Sweep Superyachts and their commitment to sustainability and workforce training.
The 2025 Commercial Awards category featured three accolades celebrating excellence across the commercial sector, with awards presented by Peter Townsend, Director National Client Relationships at Nautical Solutions.
For the second consecutive year, the 2025 Commercial Marine Hospitality Operator of the Year was awarded to Sea Sydney Harbour. Their dedication to exceptional service, sustainable operations, and memorable events aboard their fleet of luxury catamarans drove significant growth, overcoming market challenges with a remarkable 15% revenue increase.
Likewise, Port Stephens-based Moonshadow TQC Cruises claimed the 2025 Commercial Marine Tourism Operator of the Year for the second year running. With over 40 years of experience in dolphin and whale watching, island cruises and private charters, their commitment to quality, sustainability and innovative marketing strategies resulted in a significant 9.4% rise in passenger numbers in 2024.
Janene Rees, Founder, Director and International Tourism Specialist at Rees International accepted the award on Moonshadow TQC's behalf enthused; " I am incredibly proud to accept this award on behalf of my client, Moonshadow TQC, to see their hard work and dedication recognised by this incredible Australian marine community. I am genuinely blown away by the energy, the momentum and the sense of purpose in the room and it is such a privilege to be a part of this dynamic and booming industry. With the excellence in which AIMEX, Superyacht Australia and ACMG are improving the skills and insight within the marine sector, we are not only enhancing the operations of businesses like Moonshadow TQC, yet we are also making Australia even more attractive to international visitors."
The final commercial award of the evening, the 2025 Commercial Marine Project, Design or Manufacturer of the Year, was awarded to Norman R. Wright & Sons for their state-of-the-art 12-metre patrol vessel built for the New South Wales Police Force. Combining advanced composite construction, Volvo IPS propulsion, and cutting-edge technology, the vessel redefines standards in its class, delivering exceptional performance, efficiency, and crew comfort. The whole team were excited to be present for their moment in the spotlight.
In recognition of the incredible innovation driving Australia's marine sector, the 2025 Marine Industry Innovation of the Year Award was presented to Hullbot by Clare Black, General Manager, Mulpha Events. Hullbot was recognised for its groundbreaking advancements in autonomous underwater robotics, revolutionising hull maintenance with eco-friendly, proactive cleaning technology. As a market-first innovation, its system improves vessel efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, minimises environmental impact and actively supports decarbonisation efforts across the shipping industry.
Will Hodgman, Chair of Invest Gold Coast, presented Edencraft International the Industry Wide 2025 Australian Marine Marketing Strategy of the Year. In 2024, Edencraft redefined its marketing strategy by focusing on building a strong, values-driven community, known as the Edencraft Family. Through exclusive escapes, memorable events and immersive experiences, they transformed boat ownership into a lifestyle, strengthening customer loyalty and fostering relationships and driving both engagement and international growth.
Josie Eastman, General Manager, accepted the Award alongside Michael Kakouros, Marketing Manager at Edencraft International. She shared a heartfelt anecdote, recalling how at 23 years of age, she convinced her father of the value in creating a marketing role to drive business growth. With a smile, she said the win proves it paid off and hoped someone would let her dad know they had just taken home the award.
The focus then turned to the incredible emerging talent in the marine industry, marked by the completion and auction of a stunning artwork. Sold for a generous $2,500, the proceeds will be contributed to the newly established Superyacht Australia Crew Futures Scholarship. In its inaugural year, the scholarship was awarded to Bryce Lawrence, a passionate young individual who responded to a post on a marine careers forum asking how he could break into the industry. His enthusiasm and determination were recognised with the scholarship, allowing him to pursue superyacht training at Crew Academy.
The highly anticipated 2025 Australian Marine Industry Apprentice of the Year was presented by Glenn Raine, Educational Delivery Manager from TAFE Queensland. The yearly Apprentice Award is a career-defining honour that recognises exceptional emerging talent and opens the door to an invaluable international experience with the winner receiving return airfares and accommodation to attend the world's largest marine equipment trade show, Metstrade in Amsterdam. Whilst there they join the experienced Australian Delegation and participate in the global Metstrade Young Professionals Club.
This year's Apprentice of the Year Award was bestowed on Mackenzie Janes of Onboard Engineering. Mackenzie's passion for the marine industry began early whilst working tenders and teaching Learn to Sail classes, before diving into marine mechanics. Now in his third year as a Mobile Plant Mechanic, he has earned a reputation for excelling in high-responsibility projects, approaching every challenge with precision, commitment and passion.
The culminating award of the evening, the 2025 Marine Industry Champion of the Year was presented by Stephen Bay, Director of International Business and respectfully bestowed upon Steve Fisher, formally of Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, for the decades he spent shaping the future of Australia's marine industry. Steve brought unmatched dedication, knowledge and vision to every role, from his leadership at Rivergate Marina & Shipyard to his early days as an officer in the Australian Army. His work has been instrumental in developing some of the country's leading marina and shipyard facilities, and in recent years, his focus on international collaboration and government advocacy has helped put Australia on the map as a global superyacht destination. Whether leading trade missions, mentoring the next generation or championing policy reform, Steve has always worked with purpose and a deep belief in what this industry can achieve.
David Good, CEO, AIMEX, Superyacht Australia and ACMG commented; "The Australian Marine Industry Awards are a vital pillar of Australia's world-class marine industry. By celebrating achievements across the broad spectrum of marine based industries, the 2025 Australian Marine Industry Awards honour innovation, dedication and achievement but also illuminate the sector's depth, diversity and ongoing contribution to Australia's economic and maritime future."
AIMEX, Superyacht Australia and the Australian Commercial Marine Group would like to acknowledge and thank the judging panel for the 2025 Australian Marine Industry Awards: MaryAnne Edwards, Chair Judge, Global Marine Business Advisors; Barry Jenkins, Former Chairman, Superyacht Australia; Dr Thomas Wechselberger, Project Manager, Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, QLD; Stephen Quigley, Managing Director, One2three Naval Architects; Nav Bajwa, Director Wholesale Banking and Financial Markets, Bank of Queensland; Sean Griffin, Commercial Consultant; Gillian Carter, Director, Pacific Marine Design; Kristina Agustin, Founder, Southern Sky AI and Fleet Business Manager, Wright Maritime Group LLC (USA).
AIMEX extends our gratitude to the 2025 Australian Marine Industry Awards Major Partners, Award Presenting Partners and Supporting Sponsors, each listed below;
Major Partners: City of Gold Coast, Queensland Government, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Award Presenting Partners: Bank of Queensland, Nautical Solutions, Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, TAFE Queensland, Volvo Penta.
Pre-Dinner Drinks Partner: Benetti Yachts