Overview
Innovation, design capabilities and workmanship are the hallmarks of Australian-made marine products. The industry is renowned for providing practical solutions for challenging marine situations.
The Australian marine industry has a turnover of around A$5.5 billion and exports over A$750 million worth of products each year. It consists of 2700 companies employing more than 29,000 people and includes many small and medium-sized companies. Only a handful of companies employ more than 1000 people on marine activities.
(Source: Marine Action Agenda, DITR)
The Australian marine industry is highly diverse including:
- Boatbuilding and repairing
- Marina operations
- Marine equipment and components manufacturing
- Marine equipment retailing and repairing
- Marine services
- Shipbuilding and repairing
- Super yacht building, refit and services
The products and services of the marine industry are used for recreational, commercial and defence activities. Even within recreational uses, products range from aluminium ‘tinnies’ to 70-metre luxury motor yachts (super yachts).
For further information, please visit the Austrade Marine website.
What are the key opportunities?
The Australian marine industry is renowned worldwide for providing practical solutions to challenging marine situations and Australian-made marine products are celebrated for their innovation, design and workmanship.
Because of Australia’s reputation, opportunities in the marine industry are broad and across all sectors of the industry. These include:
Boatbuilding and repair – One of the greatest export opportunities for Australian companies is the boat building and repair sector which is growing steadily and achieving growth through success in overseas markets. Over the last decade the export share of turnover has increased by approximately 40 per cent from 23 to 37 per cent. Globally the market for boats and boating equipment is estimated at US$25 billion a year.
Marine equipment and accessories – Recognised for its diverse range, there is international demand for Australian marine hardware, components and accessories, including marine ropes, radars, winches, barbecues, buoyancy aids, autopilots and dock flotation systems, boat seats and anchors.
Refit and repair work – Australia is now seen in international markets both as a destination for refit and repair work for luxury vessels (super yachts) and as a destination for cruising. Commercial shipping operators (container liners, cruise liners) and foreign naval vessels are also increasingly turning to Australian ship repair providers for repair and maintenance.
Commercial and military naval vessels – With a reputation for innovation there are well established export opportunities in the supply of commercial and military naval vessels particularly in niche sectors such as patrol boats, high speed pursuit vessels and fast ferries.
Where are the key opportunities?
Australian crafts and marine products are exported to a range of countries including New Zealand, the Pacific Rim, USA, Europe, South America and the Caribbean.
Emerging export markets include UAE, Kuwait, Netherlands, Turkey, China, Russia and South America.
Priority markets with the greatest opportunities for Australian marine industry suppliers include:
- USA
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- Italy
- New Caledonia
Please see the list of industry country profiles for the marine industry at the end of this overview.
Upcoming events
For a list of upcoming events, please visit the Austrade Marine events page.
How can we help you?
Austrade has a specialised Marine Industry Network of over 50 people in more than 26 countries. This dedicated network is ready to support and assist you in facilitating the export of your marine product or service.
The marine industry team has the capacity to provide dedicated and customised services to meet the needs of potential and existing exporters of recreational boats, commercial and defence vessels, super yachts, marine components and accessories, and marine services such as ship repairs and refits, naval architects and marine consultants, and marine training and education providers.
For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email: info@austrade.gov.au.
Useful contacts
Austrade’s marine industry team contacts
Tel: +61 3 9648 3170 (ask for the Marine Industry Network Coordinator)
Email: marine@austrade.gov.au
Website: www.austrademarine.gov.au
Government contacts
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research – www.industry.gov.au
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation – www.efic.gov.au
Government of Victoria – www.business.vic.gov.au
Queensland Government – www.sd.qld.gov.au/marine
Western Australia Government – www.doir.wa.gov.au
General industry contacts
Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) – www.aimex.asn.au
The Australian Marine Industries Federation (AMIF) – www.amif.asn.au
Australian Shipbuilders Association (ASA) – www.shipbuilders.com.au
Marina Association of Australia (MAA) – www.marinas.net.au
Super Yacht Base Australia (SYBA) – www.superyachtbase.au
Last updated: 19 Dec 2007
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