Anticipation builds ahead of the 2026 Australian Marine Industry Awards Gala Dinner

ASMEX 2026 © ASMEX

The Australian marine industry's leading businesses and professionals will gather in one week at The Langham Gold Coast, where the winners of the 2026 Australian Marine Industry Awards will be announced at the Gala Dinner on Tuesday, 19 May.

A highlight of ASMEX 2026, the Awards recognise excellence, innovation and leadership across the superyacht, commercial and export sectors, celebrating the individuals and organisations driving Australia's reputation as a world-class marine industry.

This year's finalists reflect the depth, diversity and capability of the sector, with strong representation across all award categories and a high level of submissions underscoring continued industry growth and ambition.

The 2026 finalists across each award category are as follows;

The Australian Export Awards recognise outstanding achievement and growth in the international marine export market, with the 2026 Export finalists including Aus Ships Group, Marine Technologies, Savwinch, and Topargee RV, Caravan & Marine Accessories.

The Australian Superyacht Awards feature three categories, with the established Superyacht Project, Design and Manufacturer of the Year sitting alongside the now separate Superyacht Service Provider of the Year and the newly introduced Superyacht Facility of the Year, which independently recognises marinas and shipyards previously included within the Service Provider category.

Superyacht Service Provider of the Year Finalists - BWA Yachting, Carter Marine Agencies, CHAPMAN, Jones Bay Superyacht Marina, Marine Medical Solutions, Morris Nautical, Quality Marine Clothing, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, Rod Twitchin Marine, Sweep Superyachts, The Deckstore, and Yacht Services Tasmania.

Superyacht Facility & Project, Design or Manufacturer of the Year Finalists - Coral Sea Marina, Jones Bay Superyacht Marina, Port Denarau Marina, Misha Merzliakov Yacht Design, Marine Structures, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, and Periscope Marine.

The Australian Commercial Marine Awards feature two accolades: the Commercial Project, Design, or Manufacturer of the Year award, and the newly combined Operator of the Year Awards, which combine the former Hospitality Operator and Tourism Operator categories into one.

Commercial Project, Design or Manufacturer of the Year Finalists - Aus Ships Group, Halliday Engineering, Marine Structures, Norman R. Wright & Sons, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, Steber International, and Sweep Workboats.

Commercial Operator of the Year Finalists - All Event Cruises, CHAPMAN, Inception Cruises, Moonshadow TQC Cruises, OZ Jet Boating, Sea Sydney Harbour, and SEADECK.

The Marine Industry Wide Awards are open to all members of AIMEX, Superyacht Australia and ACMG, with the following finalists announced in each category;

Innovation of the Year Finalists - Bellingham Marine, CHAPMAN, Ches Power Group, Control Point Group, Marine Air Flow International, Morris Nautical, Muir Engineering, and Steber International.

Marketing Strategy of the Year Finalists - CHAPMAN, Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, Grand Boats, Integ Marine Group, Luxe Cruising Group, and Steber International.

A highlight of the Awards is the Australian Marine Apprentice of the Year, who, as part of their award, receives the opportunity to attend Metstrade in Amsterdam with the Australian delegation. Receiving complimentary return airfares, accommodation and a delegate's pass to the show, they also gain access to Metstrade's Young Professionals Club.

Apprentice of the Year Finalists include Apprentices representing Austal, Birdon, Halliday Engineering, Marine Air Flow International, Maritime Professional Solutions, Onboard Engineering, and Riviera Australia.

David Good, CEO of AIMEX, commented: "Each finalist represents a benchmark of excellence within their field, demonstrating innovation, resilience and a commitment to advancing Australia's marine industry both locally and on the global stage."

Winners will be announced at the Australian Marine Industry Awards Gala Dinner on Tuesday, 19 May at The Langham Gold Coast, bringing together industry leaders, stakeholders and international delegates for an evening of celebration and recognition.

A limited number of tickets to attend the Gala Dinner are still available, with delegates also able to access exclusive accommodation rates at The Langham Gold Coast.

• Register to attend
• Secure accommodation at discounted AIMEX rates

AIMEX extends our gratitude to the 2026 Australian Marine Industry Awards Major Partners, Award Presenting Partners and Supporting Sponsors, each listed below;

MAJOR PARTNERS - Invest Gold Coast, Queensland Government and Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

PARTNER - Volvo Penta

AWARD PRESENTING PARTNERS - Bank of Queensland, Hamilton Island, Marine Futures, Main Beach Superyacht Marina, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard and TAFE Queensland.