Commercial marine industry stakeholders to gather at National Conference

Conference Delegates two - Australian Commercial Marine Conference © Salty Dingo

The Australian Commercial Marine Conference returns to Sydney on Thursday, 31 July 2025 aboard the M/V Starship Sydney. Now in its second consecutive year, the event follows strong industry demand for a dedicated national forum to address sector challenges, explore insights from leading authorities and to strengthen connections across Australia's commercial marine sector.

Conceptualised by Nick Lester, General Manager at SeaLink Sydney and hosted by the Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG), the conference will bring together ferry and tourism vessel operators, marine technology innovators, naval architects and designers, shipbuilders, component manufacturers and suppliers, as well as safety regulators and policymakers.

The one-day program will feature expert speakers, Q&A, panel discussions, and technical sessions addressing current concerns, future directions and relevant policy impacting the commercial marine industry. It also offers valuable opportunities for networking with a strong emphasis on exchanging ideas and informed decision-making.

Key speakers will include Arthur Fraccaro, Business Development Manager from AIRCAT Vessels, who will introduce Surface Effect Ship technology, a cutting-edge advancement in vessel design aimed at improving speed, efficiency and performance in commercial marine applications.

Kristina Agustin, the founder of Southern Sky AI will draw on her 20 years of experience in the global marine industry, specialising in maritime business, operations and regulatory compliance to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the commercial marine industry by streamlining systems and enhancing service delivery.

Offering insights into the U.S. marine market, Madeleine Simpson, Global Markets Representative from the U.S. Commercial Service and Duncan Archibald, Business Development Manager from the SelectUSA Program, will detail support available for Australian companies looking to expand into the United States, highlighting opportunities to connect Australian businesses with U.S. suppliers through platforms like the International WorkBoat Show.

The developing Australian Commercial Marine Economic Impact Study (EIS) continues to gain momentum across the industry, drawing attention from both operators and regulators. Ashley Page, CEO of AEC Group, will provide to conference attendees a timely update on the EIS, outlining its focus and relevance to the commercial marine sector.

Greg Newby, Director from the Sydney Maritime Institute will present solutions to address the growing shortage of qualified crew, showcasing traineeship programs and maritime career pathways. Whilst Peter Munckton, the Chief Economist at Bank of Queensland, arguably the best economist speaker in Australia will share an expert economic overview to help businesses steer confidently through the current uncertain economy.

The newly introduced exhibition area will feature a showcase of industry expertise with dedicated information booths from Control Point Rescue, Logix Consulting, Marine Air Flow International and Spear Green Design. Offering the opportunity for delegates to engage directly with specialists in safety and emergency response, corrosion diagnostics and protection, ventilation systems and sustainable superyacht interior design. Additional exhibitors will be announced soon.

To further enhance cross-sector engagement, ACMG will host networking drinks at the conclusion of the conference in partnership with the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) and Superyacht Australia. Aligning these events provides a unique opportunity to connect professionals from across the broader marine industry.

Registrations are now open via the ACMG website. ACMG Local Members receive one complimentary registration while Corporate Members receive four. Non-members and additional members are welcome to attend with registration available at $450+GST.

This diverse and informative speaker program emphasis the conference's focus on practical outcomes, future trends and opportunities for growth, both locally and internationally.

ACMG extends our appreciation to the generous support of SeaLink Sydney who have made available the Starship Sydney, which will remain docked at Darling Harbour for the duration of the conference. In addition, our Conference Partners Interferry and Spear Green Design.