Overview
The Australian shipbuilding and repair sector is growing steadily and achieving growth through success in overseas markets. International operators of large container ships, cruise liners and naval vessels are increasingly turning to Australian ship repairers for repair and maintenance of their vessels.
Australia is now seen in international markets both as a destination for visiting and listing for refit and repair work for luxury vessels such as super yachts as well. Australia is fast becoming a well know provider of high quality repair and maintenance service as well as a niche supplier of vessels such as naval ships, light and fast passenger and car ferries, and large and upmarket luxury pleasure crafts.
The shipbuilding sector is comprised of three main categories:
- Defence related ship building, eg. submarine and naval patrols vessels
- Commercial ship building, eg. passenger/vehicle ferries and fishing vessels
- Commercial repair and maintenance eg general repair and refurbishing
The Australian shipbuilding and repair industry is relatively small on an international scale, nevertheless, Australia enjoys one of the highest conversion rates (ie. gross tonnes to compensated tonnes, to allow for complexity differences across ships) of any significant shipbuilding nation. Hence, a key strength of the Australian shipbuilding industry is its ability to undertake complex build and repair projects with the use of state of the art technology, high skill level and modern construction and assembly process to produce high quality vessels and works.
It has the capacity to build and repair a wide range of commercial vessels such as high speed aluminium passenger/car ferries and catamarans ranging from 15-110m in length, high speed freight vessels, naval ships and patrol vessels, paramilitary and rescue vessels, fishing vessels, offshore supply vessels and large luxury yachts.
It is world renowned for using cutting-edge technology and innovation such as the use of reinforced plastic fibre in ship interiors and the application of aluminium in the production of hulls giving Australian made vessels the technical superiority over its competitors. The sector is the pioneer and world leader in the use of lightweight aluminium in shipbuilding. This has attracted some of the most demanding commercial and military customers from around the world, and as a result Australia has produced a number of outstanding world-class vessels.
Defence shipbuilding
Australia’s shipbuilding and repair industry is also heavily geared toward naval and defence shipbuilding. Three of the four largest players in the industry — which together account for nearly 60 per cent of total sales and services — have naval capacity and specialisation, and fulfil contracts for the Department of Defence.
What are the key opportunities?
Major Australian exports opportunities include fast ferries, defence vessels, patrol boats and workboats.
The shipbuilding sector sees excellent export opportunities in the car-carrying and passenger ferry market segments of the international sea transport market. Australian export of passenger ferries to the Asia pacific region has been especially significant. It also sees the large luxury motor yacht (up to 130m in length) as a prospective export market especially in the North American market.
The fast ferry market segment, eg. aluminium based catamaran vessels offer good prospect for the sector as well. It is also well placed to service the international/regional defence/surveillance market segment with its ability to supply innovatively designed and needs specific naval ships and patrol vessels.
The competitive edge of Australian build ships are speed (due to the use of lightweight aluminium and composite construction material), innovative design and use of advanced construction technology.
Where are the key opportunities?
Priority markets with the greatest opportunities for Australian marine include:
- Turkey
- Yemen
- Philippines
- Hong Kong
- N. America
- Singapore & Malaysia
Australian crafts are exported to a range of countries including New Zealand, the Pacific Rim, USA, Europe, South America and the Caribbean.
Please see the list of industry country profiles for the shipbuilding and marine industry at the end of this overview.
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 the export of your range of vessels and crafts such as car/passenger and passenger ferries, work boats, parol vessels, luxury yachts, barges or service related offerings such as ship repair.
The specialised marine industry team have the capacity to provide dedicated and customised service to meet the needs of potential and existing exporters.
Useful contacts
Austrade’s marine team contacts
Tel: +61 3 9648 3170 (ask for the Marine Industry Network Coordinator)
Email: marine@austrade.gov.au
Government contacts
Government of Victoria – www.business.vic.gov.au
Western Australia Government – www.doir.wa.gov.au
Queensland State Development Department – www.sd.qld.gov.au/marine
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research – www.industry.gov.au
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation – www.efic.gov.au
Department of Defence – www.defence.gov.au
General industry contacts
The Australian Shipbuilders Association (ASA) and The Australian Ship Repairers Group (ASRG) are the two key national industry organisations representing the shipbuilding sector and assist the industry in promoting its export capabilities.
ASA – www.shipbuilders.com.au
ASRG – www.asrg.asn.au
The Western Australian Shipbuilders Association Inc – www.washipbuilders.co.au
Last updated: 19 Dec 2007
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