2026 Australian Commercial Marine Conference a showcase of innovation
by Melinda Frowde 31 Jul 00:33 PDT
29 July 2026
The Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) successfully delivered the third annual Australian Commercial Marine Conference, welcoming a sell-out crowd of 143 registrations as operators, suppliers and industry leaders from across Australia gathered on Wednesday, 29 July aboard SeaLink M/V Starship Sydney at Darling Harbour.
The one-day event delivered a full program of innovation and a forward-looking approach to propulsion energy and tourism, cementing its place as a showcase for what is ahead in commercial marine. Delegates were given an introduction to significant industry developments, including major project reveals, expert-led sessions spanning tourism, technology, economics and operations, the debut of the new Pitch Platform and a dedicated Exhibitor Zone spotlighting the emerging technologies, products and solutions shaping the industry's future.
Conference delegates were welcomed by Nick Lester, General Manager of SeaLink Sydney Harbour and Chair of the ACMG Committee, who highlighted that the day was focused on innovation and the exciting developments being showcased across the industry. Nick also acknowledged the ACMG Committee members in attendance, reinforcing their role in supporting members and the broader commercial marine community.
Nick Lester commented: "Since we conceptualised this conference in 2024, attendance has grown every year, from 72 in 2024, to 107 in 2025, to over 140 this year. That growth reflects an industry hungry for connection and collaboration. Commercial marine in Australia is made up of operators, builders, suppliers and innovators who all face the same challenges and this conference is where we tackle them together. As Chair of ACMG and General Manager of SeaLink's Sydney Harbour division, I'm very proud to support a forum that brings all parts of the industry together."
The Conference began with a standout reveal of local innovation, with delegates among the first to view a new benchmark in confined space safety from Control Point Group. The team introduced SUKKAGON™, an Australian-designed and manufactured commercial marine ventilation system. Presented by Owners and Directors Clayton 'Ditch' Vladich and Adam Spinelli, alongside General Manager Johnny Fisher, the session explored the system's key features while highlighting the team's depth of knowledge and experience, shaped by decades of frontline emergency response and operational expertise.
The Control Point Group team was joined by Brad Marsden, Founding Director of Marine Air Flow International, following an introduction made at the 2025 Conference that led to Marine Air Flow International being commissioned to manufacture the system.
The next presentation turned to propulsion innovation, with Jason Rendle, Account Manager at Scania Australia, introducing the company's next generation of marine propulsion technology, the DI13 inline engine, the most advanced engine Scania has built. In response to fluctuating oil prices, changes in emissions and regulations, the engine is best in class fuel efficiency, with a 7% decrease a major achievement in marine industry. It will also deliver improved durability, simplified maintenance and modularity in design and is alternative fuel ready in preparedness for the future.
Scania Australia's Account Manager, Cameron Murch followed and introduced the new Scania E-Machine, a fully electric propulsion solution built as a simple, compact repower option for existing vessels. Combining the motor, inverter and gearbox into a single efficient unit, it offers commercial operators a faster, more cost-effective path to electrification than a full vessel rebuild, cutting emissions, noise and running costs while extending the working life of existing fleets. The technology is already proving itself in the field, powering a fully electric Sydney ferry in daily operation.
Continuing the focus on innovation and the future of sustainable commercial marine transport, Tommy Ericson, Director of Aus Ships Group, shared insights into the development of Australia's first fully electric passenger ferry. Tommy explored the journey behind the project, from efficient vessel design and emerging propulsion technologies to the challenges and opportunities of transitioning towards lower-emission marine transport. He highlighted the importance of real-world demonstration projects in building confidence, reducing risk and supporting the wider adoption of electric vessels across Australia's commercial marine sector.
Tommy Ericson commented: "The ACMG conference has been a great platform for the Aus Ships Group to introduce our electric ferry project - facilitating exposure for our valuable project partners in fellow ACMG Members including Volvo Penta, Ampcontrol, Oceania Power and the wide network of AIMEX members."
Gavin Rooney, Sales and Application Manager at Humphree, explored how advanced trim and stabilisation systems can improve vessel performance, efficiency and operational outcomes. Drawing on the company's naval architecture foundations, he demonstrated how interceptor technology reduces resistance, optimises trim and delivers incremental efficiency gains that can translate into meaningful fuel savings, reduced emissions and lower total cost of ownership. Using real-world data and applications, Gavin highlighted how even small percentage improvements can have a significant cumulative impact, while also enhancing onboard comfort, reducing vessel wear and supporting more sustainable marine operations.
In a highlight for commercial operators, Dominic Mehling, Industry Relations Manager from Tourism Australia, explored the role of the maritime sector within the broader tourism landscape and the opportunities available through Australia's growing international visitor market. Highlighting the significant contribution of international tourism, Dominic outlined the value of the sector, with 9.2 million international visitors contributing $57.6 billion in total visitor trip expenditure. He discussed key global trends shaping inbound demand, including the growth of luxury tourism and the increasing focus on responsible travel, where visitors seek experiences that positively contribute to the environment and local communities.
ACMG CEO David Good presented findings from the ACMG Commercial Economic Impact Study (EIS), highlighting the scale of an industry now exceeding $50 billion in economic value and the importance of data-driven advocacy.
Peter Munckton, Chief Economist at the Bank of Queensland, gave delegates a candid economic update, unpacking the pressures shaping business and household conditions, the outlook for interest rates and inflation, and the ripple effects of global oil markets and geopolitical tensions on Australian costs. He closed with a call for operators to focus on productivity and efficiency as the surest way to stay resilient, whatever the broader economy does next.
The 2026 Conference saw the introduction of the Pitch Platform, providing members with the opportunity to present their products, services and innovations directly to industry professionals. The inaugural session featured presentations from Marine Air Flow International, Sea-Flux, BluSky and Nebo Fleet, highlighting Australian innovation and new solutions supporting the commercial marine sector.
The Exhibitor Zone provided further opportunities for delegates to connect with industry suppliers and explore the latest technologies and services, featuring Gineico Marine & Aerlift Australia, Integ Marine Group, Logix Consulting, Sea-Flux, Slattery & Grays, Tiller Technical and Z-GRYO.
Luke Foster, CEO of Power Equipment, who is a new ACMG member, gave delegates an overview of the business, from its origins as a small family operation in 1990 to its position today as a leading distributor of marine engines and propulsion systems across Australia and New Zealand. He outlined the brands the company represents, spanning established diesel engine ranges through to emerging electric propulsion and future-fuel technologies, along with the investment behind the scenes in logistics, engineering and training that supports its dealer and customer network.
Luke Foster commented: "The marine industry is unique in that, while we compete strongly in the marketplace, we remain a close-knit community united by a shared commitment to its long-term success. Conferences such as ACMG provide an invaluable forum for industry leaders, manufacturers and stakeholders to come together, exchange insights, strengthen relationships and collectively shape the future of our industry. Power Equipment is proud to be part of an event that celebrates not only innovation and commercial success, but also the collaboration that underpins a thriving marine sector."
Representing Supporting Conference Partner Interferry, Jeremy Spear, President of AIMEX and Director of Spear Green Design, encouraged delegates to consider attending the 2026 Interferry Conference, being held in Bangkok in October. Jeremy highlighted the value of the global event as a platform for industry networking, knowledge sharing and connecting with key ferry operators, suppliers and innovators from around the world.
The conference concluded with Member Networking Drinks, bringing together members of ACMG, the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) and Superyacht Australia to continue discussions, strengthen industry connections and build future opportunities.
ACMG extends its appreciation to all conference partners and sponsors whose support contributed to the success of the 2026 Australian Commercial Marine Conference.
Major Partners - Control Point Group, Scania Australia and SeaLink Marine & Tourism
Supporting Partners - Interferry and Power Equipment