Metstrade 2025 reaffirms its position as the leading global marine trade show

First time Metstrade exhibitors Topargee © AIMEX

The 37th edition of Metstrade, the world's leading marine equipment trade exhibition, was held at the RAI Amsterdam from 18-20 November 2025, for the first time filling all 13 halls to capacity with close to 1,700 exhibitors across 30 country pavilions from 20 nations.

This year's event extended its international reach and industry focus, drawing more than 32,000 visits from over 20,000 unique attendees with visitors exploring specialist zones dedicated to superyachts, marina and yard equipment, construction materials, foiling and emerging startups. A major addition for 2025 was the debut of a dedicated refit cluster within the Superyacht Pavilion, reflecting strong global interest and innovation in this rapidly expanding sector.

AIMEX, Superyacht Australia and ACMG members were prominently represented across both the Australian and Superyacht Pavilions. Australian Pavilion exhibitors included AMI Group, Aqualuma LED Lighting, GME, Greencorp Marine, Hydrive Engineering, Marine Protection Systems, Rainman Desalination and Topargee, whilst Pantaenius Australia and VEEM featured in the Superyacht Pavilion. The newly introduced Superyacht Refit Pavilion showcased the combined capabilities of Echo Yachts, Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard (GCCM) and Rivergate Marina and Shipyard.

Alongside AIMEX, Australia's Gold Coast led a Trade Mission, providing regional businesses with a supported platform to explore and expand international opportunities. Co-located within the Australian Pavilion, the delegation featured DOCKPRO, Mahi Boats and Marine Card from the Boating Industry Association.

AIMEX team at Metstrade 2025 - photo © AIMEX

Also in attendance were Australian based Members Evercor, Marine Structures, Muir Engineering and Stella Marine.

New junior AIMEX member and first-time exhibitors Topargee shared a position on the AIMEX stand. Co-owners Danielle Wayne and Kylie Trabona commented; "We found the international exhibitor community to be highly receptive and were impressed by the willingness of exhibitors from multiple countries to connect us with the right people. It reflects the international respect for the AIMEX network and reinforced our confidence in the products we're bringing to market. We expect several of the conversations started at Metstrade to evolve into formal partnerships over the coming months."

AIMEX also welcomed the 2025 Australian Marine Industry Apprentice of the Year, Mackenzie Janes from Sydney-based Onboard Engineering, to join the Australian delegation. As part of his award, he received complimentary return airfares, accommodation and a delegate pass to the industry-only trade show. Whilst at the show, Mackenzie also participated in the Young Professionals Club, Metstrade's platform for emerging marine industry talent, now extended to under-40s. This year's program offered networking evenings and behind-the-scenes tours, enabling young professionals to build valuable international connections.

As an extended highlight of his international opportunity, Mackenzie joined a private tour of custom yacht builder Oceanco. Following the company's announcement of a landmark agreement with Lloyd's Register to classify and certify its largest yacht to date, the 130-metre Project Y727, the visits to Oceanco's Zwijndrecht and Alblasserdam shipyards offered rare insight into the shipyard's history, innovative business model and extensive refit capabilities.

Andrew Stubbs, Director of Onboard Engineering accompanied Mackenize on his European tour, effusing his appreciation for the life changing experience for Mackenzie and praising AIMEX for its commitment to nurturing the next generation. Andrew commented: "It was an honour to be part of the prestigious team representing Australia at a global level and we are genuinely proud to belong to an organisation that works so hard to promote its members, to build strong relationships and create opportunities for networking across our diverse marine industry. We were thrilled to celebrate Mackenzie's remarkable achievement, and it is truly humbling to have had two of our apprentices win this award in the six years since its inception."

Members made the most of their international stay, beginning the week with informal networking drinks at the group hotel on Sunday, offering returning members a chance to reconnect and new exhibitors an opportunity to form connections ahead of the show. This was followed by the well-attended Partners & Associates event at the RAI's new Harbour 8 restaurant, bringing together country pavilion representatives before the exhibition commenced.

Metstrade's official opening on Tuesday included the announcement of the DAME Design Awards, celebrating the achievements of two Superyacht Australia and ACMG members: Volvo Penta and SEA.AI. SEA.AI received a special mention in the Navigation & Communication category for its Watchkeeper system, while Volvo Penta was nominated in the Propulsion & Dynamics category for its IPS Professional Platform, featuring dual power input and Eco Mode innovation.

The popular Outback Party, generously supported by Australia's Gold Coast, concluded a busy first day for members by bringing exhibitors and their guests together in the RAI's newly refurbished VIP Lounge. The event drew its largest turnout to date, with attendees praising the warm Australian hospitality and premium wines.

On Wednesday, the International Boat Builders (IBI) Awards recognised Superyacht Australia member X-Yachts with the Breakthrough Launch of the Year Award for its XR 41. Meeting the criteria of a new class, range or model that is a market disruptor, the judges commented; "Despite its 2025 launch date the versatile XR 41 with its switchable sport and racing configurations has already assumed near cult status with its rapidly growing number of owners. A brilliant blend of boundary stretching innovation with commercial success."

The show concluded on Thursday with Exhibitor drinks where show director Niels Klarenbeek praised the increased floor space in creating a more continuous route through the show, allowing visitors to circulate through all areas with less interruption.

Jess Gatt, Director of Marine Protection Systems and AIMEX Board Member, described Metstrade as the most important tradeshow for any marine equipment business. Jess emphasised; "As an Australian manufacturer and exporter, the connections gained at Metstrade surpass expectations - people are here to talk business! We were able to connect with current distributors, create new contacts for new distribution pathways and connect with current and new customer opportunities - particularly in the boat building space which are notoriously difficult to penetrate. AIMEX create a great platform for junior membership to start this process in the shared stand space, which is where we started three years ago. We are excited about a bigger and better presence next year as our products extends its network globally."

Carl Amor, Director of Aqualuma LED Lighting and AIMEX Board member who returned as an exhibitor after a five-year absence, reiterated Jess' sentiments; "Returning to Metstrade this year was a pleasant surprise and a strong reminder of just how important this show is. We had a fantastic event and even reconnected with a company located just minutes from our own doorstep, proof of the business opportunities this show creates."

After a successful show, Metstrade 2025 reaffirmed its place as the world's leading platform for the leisure marine industry to connect, collaborate and explore emerging innovations. With its focus on cutting-edge technology, market development and high-value networking, the show once again demonstrated its vital role in driving global marine commerce.