Home to the largest concentration of marine trades in Australia, the Gold Coast has firmly established itself as the leading recreational marine industry hub in the southern hemisphere. The Gold Coast Marine industry delivers $1.2billion to the economy per annum,  supporting 450+ marine companies and directly employing over 5000 staff. With more than 250 hectares of manufacturing, refit, and refurbishment businesses, 10 commercial marinas, 125 Superyacht berths including a newly completed 163m Mega-yacht berth, 57 kilometres of pristine coastline and a customs clearance port of entry the Gold Coast now hosts a mature industry with strong competition and advanced capabilities.

The City of Gold Coast works closely to support development of the marine industry, including hosting industry events to strengthen the supply chain,  offering subsidised trade missions to international marine shows to connect the industry to global networks of buyers and promotes the destination as the best place in Australia to live, work and sail.

Marine industries are critical to Queensland’s economy and the Queensland Government is supporting the sector through investment in skills, infrastructure and opportunities for future growth.

The Queensland Superyacht Strategy sets out the Queensland Government’s support for growing this high-value industry, which has the potential to create thousands of new highly skilled jobs across the state and contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to our state’s economy.

Presented by Mulpha Events, the iconic Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show now in its 35th year, is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest marine lifestyle showcase. Attracting over 300 of the biggest and best marine brands from across the globe, and welcoming 50,000 visitors annually, the show continues its reputation as Australia’s must-see boating blockbuster. In 2024, the Show will break new records showcasing over 750 boats, more than 2,500 of the latest marine gear and gadgets and close to 100 global, Asia-Pacific, and Australian product launches.

Founded in 1873, Benetti is the storied Italian shipyard specialized in luxury yachts, an icon of timeless style and construction excellence. Every yacht is unique, developed around its owner. Benetti designs, builds and sells vessels in composite materials from 34 to 44 meters and boats in steel and aluminium from 37 to more than 100 meters. The fleet consists of six categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now, B.Century and Custom. Part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, a world leader in the industry, Benetti recruits only highly skilled personnel for its Livorno production unit, Viareggio headquarters and offices in Fort Lauderdale, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and London.

Gulf Craft is one of the world’s only fully integrated yacht and boat manufacturer with a proven track record in designing and delivering high-quality, award-winning yachts and boats that define the contemporary marine lifestyle. Gulf Craft delivers high-quality personalised vessels for pleasure and for commercial pursuits for clientele across the world.

Gulf Craft manufactures a diverse range of yachts and boats, spanning from 32 to 175 feet, under six distinct brands that cater to a broad spectrum of clientele: Majesty Yachts, Nomad Yachts, Oryx Sports Cruisers, Silvercraft & SilverCAT family and fishing boats, and Touring Passenger Vessels.

With a global coverage of over 100,000 sail and motor yachts insured, Pantaenius stands as a leader in pleasure craft insurance worldwide.

As a family-owned company that recently celebrated its 125th anniversary, Pantaenius takes pride in delivering authentic and personalised service from the initial contact through to claims handling and beyond. Renowned for their dedication to providing the best possible coverage and expediting boat repairs during emergencies, the Pantaenius team is highly respected within the industry for consistently exceeding expectations.

With a shared passion for boating among its team members, Pantaenius truly understands the needs and values of boat owners. As the company continues to grow, Pantaenius remains dedicated to assisting an increasing number of boat owners, driven by their genuine love for their work.

Marine Air Flow International (MAFI) is an ISO-9001 certified company specialised in the design and manufacturing of custom engine room ventilation solutions for a diverse range of applications within the marine industry.

Established on the Gold Coast since 2005, MAFI provides systems across the marine spectrum from recreational vessels and mega yachts to commercial fishing, transport, defence and military applications.

MAFI’s cost-effective solutions promote optimal engine room operation conditions and increase the longevity of valuable engine room equipment.

Our free consultations are available to boat owners, naval architects, designers and manufacturers world wide. Our wide range of products includes:

• Mist Elimination Grilles to protect the engine room equipment from saltwater mist and spray
• Compact & High Volume Fans to create a cooler environment and prolong the mechanical life of the equipment
• Air Dampers to protect the engine room in case of a fire emergency

With over 50% of our products exported world wide, MAFI can design, develop and ship a system customised to the unique requirements of your vessel and operating conditions door to door.

Cool by Design, Green by Intention

The Whiskey Project Group is an Australian maritime technology company with a collective 90 years’ experience spanning design, manufacturing, innovation and sustainment of high-performance watercraft.

TWPG companies’ maritime pedigree includes the globally acclaimed naval design and engineering performance of Naiad; Yamba Welding & Engineering, a highly regarded manufacturer of Australian government watercraft; and The Whiskey Project with the Multi-Mission Reconnaissance Craft, recently launched into the USA, heralding a new era in military combatant craft capability.

TWPG is proud to have been involved in the design and build of over 200 watercraft for government agencies in recent years, and is one of the largest suppliers of Rescue and Emergency Services Vessels in Australia and New Zealand.

The Gold Coast is located on Australia’s eastern seaboard at the gateway to the boating meccas of the Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The Gold Coast is the ideal launching point for some of the world’s most unique voyages and one of the world’s best marine destinations with more than 250 hectares of manufacturing, refit and refurbishment businesses, 10 commercial marinas, 125 Superyacht berths including a newly completed 163m Mega-yacht berth, 57 kilometres of pristine coastline and a customs clearance port of entry.

The City of Gold Coast (City) works closely with the marine sector to grow the Gold Coast economy by creating new opportunities for inward investment and export growth. Each year the City leads an annual trade mission program to support export-ready manufacturers by connecting them to new export opportunities.

Interferry is a highly respected international association representing the global ferry industry. We believe that our industry is “Stronger Together” when working collectively to embrace opportunities, overcome challenges and share our knowledge.

Our members include international and domestic ferry owners and operators, equipment suppliers and manufacturers, shipbuilders, naval architects, marine engineers and more. We represent more than 270 companies and some 1,700 individual members from 40 different countries.

A fundamental focus is to ensure and enhance the safety and security of passengers, crew, cargo and ships. We also strive for fair, open competition, protection of the natural environment and adherence to corresponding regulation.

interferryconference.com

Rivergate Marina and Shipyard is one of Australia’s premier Superyacht Refit and Project Management destinations. Specialising in refit, repairs, and maintenance, the services are complemented by the all-weather enclosed facilities, 12,000 square meters of hardstand space, and all specialist marine trades based on-site. Rivergate is a multi-award-winning facility, including the 2023 Superyacht Australia Superyacht Project/Design of the Year for its 3m extension of “Kokomo II”, was voted in the Top 3 Australian Marinas by Boat International USA (now Show Boats) and the only Australian Shipyard in the Top 3 Superyacht Refit Destinations in the world by the Crew Report (Issue 32).

Located below the cyclone belt on the Brisbane River (Latitude 27°26.67’S, Longitude 153°06.30’E), Rivergate is three nautical miles from the city centre and six from the river mouth. Catering to all vessels, the marina is the official Customs and Quarantine Clearance Port of Southeast Queensland, Clean Marina Certified, and features berthing up to 90m, 24/7 refuelling, and two in-water service berths. Moreton Bay National Marine Park is on the doorstep for those who enjoy weekend cruising, and further afield, Rivergate is five days steaming from the South Pacific, four days from the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, and three days from Sydney. Once at the marina, it is only minutes from Brisbane Domestic and International Airport terminals, private jet facilities, and helipads.

Any time, any tide, and any size, Rivergate has the services and facilities for all your boating needs.

SeaLink began in 1989 providing a major transport link from the mainland to Kangaroo Island in South Australia.

In 1996, a group of South Australian investors and staff purchased the company from overseas owners, returning it to local ownership, and kickstarting a period of remarkable growth all around Australia.

In 2013, SeaLink was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange as SeaLink Travel Group. Since listing on the ASX, SeaLink Travel Group continued to grow and by 2018 was Australia’s largest marine and tourism business, connecting our customers to many of Australia’s most beautiful island destinations and our world-famous harbours and rivers.

TAFE Queensland is the largest, most experienced training provider in the state, with a history of serving Queensland’s communities for more than 140 years. We offer more than 400 practical, industry-relevant courses from entry-level certificates to bachelor degrees. Our training is delivered to over 125,000 students each year across more than 60 locations in Queensland.

On the Gold Coast, TAFE Queensland delivers training across six campus locations including the new Coomera Marine campus, which is conveniently located just minutes from the Coomera Marine precinct. The state-of-the-art training facility offers practical, hands-on training in marine mechanics and marine craft construction. Grow your career with training you can trust at TAFE Queensland. 

Volvo Penta is a world-leading supplier of power solutions to marine and industrial applications. Driven by innovation, our close cooperation with our customers and our century-long experience, we supply comprehensive solutions that are made to move emotions, people, businesses and societies. As part of the Volvo Group, Volvo Penta benefits from reliable technology, proven throughout the entire group. Through the joint use of the experienced, global service and logistics network, we can supply our customers with the support and service they need, no matter where they are.

Volvo Penta is the world’s largest manufacturer of diesel engines for leisure boats and the leading developer of marine propulsion systems for commercial vessels. Our philosophy, “easy boating”, is the driving force behind innovations such as the Volvo Penta IPS, Inboard Performance System – groundbreaking solutions that offers benefits for the designer, shipyard and operator. With the launch of IPS40 Volvo Penta enter in to the superyacht segment of 55+ meter vessel sizes supplying fully integrated IMOIII solutions both as diesel, hybrid and electric options.

Sea and river transport, coastguards, passenger transportation and wind farming vessels all depend on their engines’ performance, reliability and durability. Volvo Penta offers drive systems and engines for propulsion, auxiliary equipment and complete marine generator sets – all to fulfill the wide range of requirements of the marine commercial sector. With more than 100 years of experience working closely together with equipment manufacturers, boat builders, owners and operators, Volvo Penta has built up the expertise and infrastructure necessary to provide comprehensive global service and support. Our extensive network of 3,500 dealers supports marine and industrial customers around the world.

At Volvo Penta, we aim to be the most forward thinking and customer-focused supplier of sustainable power solutions. Innovative solutions that comply with the modern, socially responsible definition of premium and both meet and exceed the demands of a 21st century marketplace.

Established in 2010, Boat Style is a full-service interior design studio and yacht outfitter with a proven track record for designing, refitting and outfitting more than 50 superyachts across Australia, the South Pacific, Asia and the Mediterranean.

Boat Style has earned an international reputation for its results-driven approach to delivering luxury design through its meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality, innovation and craftsmanship.

Pyrotek is the market leader in Acoustic, Vibration, Thermal, and Fire Protection solutions. Specialising in manufacturing and distributing maritime insulation solutions, we are proven to provide advanced materials and innovative concepts to specification. With over 50 years of industry experience, our design consultation and customised soundproofing plans meet and exceed expectations.

Pyrotek materials meet extreme marine conditions, with consideration to aesthetics and environmental factors. They are independently tested for compliance with Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requirements and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations.

Our Acoustic, Vibration and Thermal mitigating solutions are not just products, they are your asset’s guardians. Designed to protect your investment from structural duress, including metal fatigue, they ensure longevity and structural soundness, giving you the assurance that your assets are in safe hands.

Quality Marine Clothing – QMC – is the Australian based shop for clothing and accessories for those with a passion for the water.

They offer a very personal service to reduce the hassle in pulling together your look for uniforms and promotional gear.

The concept was launched by marine enthusiasts, Duncan Curnow and Tony Liddy, both having worked in apparel for many years.

The concept is simple – offer products that are in stock, and suitable for our region, all in an online detailed catalogue.

QMC will provide storyboards of your look and organise all of the decoration.

For over 160 years, Tyrrell’s has been one of Australia’s pre-eminent family-owned wine companies, with vineyards extending from its historic Hunter Valley home in New South Wales to Heathcote in Victoria.

Led by fourth generation family member, Bruce, and fifth generation Jane, John and Chris, Tyrrell’s is home to some of Australia’s most awarded wines.

The Hunter Valley holds some of the oldest vineyards in the world, boasting eleven vineyard blocks over 100 years old. The Tyrrells currently own seven of those eleven blocks.

Founding father, Edward Tyrrell’s moto, ‘nothing is great unless it is good’, has been the guiding beacon for the family. The commitment to quality continues to be the basis of all that Tyrrell’s do.