The Australian Marine Industry Awards 2024: Celebrating Marine Excellence

Held at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort on the Gold Coast, the Australian Marine Industry Awards was a spectacular concluding event of the ASMEX 2024 Conference. 210 guests enjoyed drinks supplied by Benetti Yachts, before the very best of each sector of the Australian Marine Industry was recognised: Superyachts, Commercial and Export. 

Nav Bajwa, Director of Wholesale Banking and Financial Markets, presented the Export Awards to two outstanding businesses: The Whiskey Group Project and SCORK. The former took home the title of ‘2024 Australian Marine Exporter of the Year’ and the latter secured the ‘2024 Australian Marine Junior Exporter of the Year' award. 

The superyacht category also featured two awards, presented by Gavin Rooney, Director of Sales & Marketing at Volva Penta. Leading Australian shipyard Echo Yachts took home the first, ‘The 2024 Australian Superyacht Industry Project, Design, or Manufacturer of the Year’ award, as a recognition for its work on the spectacular 56m M/Y CHARLEY 2: the largest catamaran motor yacht in Australia. 

Echo Yachts also secured the ‘2024 Australian Marine Marketing Strategy of the Year’ award, in response to the shipyard transforming market challenges into opportunities. 

Chris Blackwell, Sales and Marketing Manager at Echo Marine Group and Echo Yachts, commented: ‘We are honoured and privileged to be recognized with several awards at this year’s AIMEX Australian Marine Industry Awards. The Superyacht Project of the Year award is amazing recognition for Echo’s entire shipyard team and that of One2Three Naval Architects whom we partnered with for the design of M/Y Charley 2.’

The second award of the superyacht category was the ‘2024 Australian Superyacht Industry Service Provider of the Year Award’, presented to Coral Sea Marina Resort. This achievement acknowledged its state-of-the-art facilities, its record-breaking visitation numbers and the inception of groundbreaking initiatives such as the Superyacht Donation Hub.

Reflecting the merger of the Commercial Vessels Association into ACMG, which took place in October 2023, the Commercial Category featured two new awards, both presented by Nick Lester of SeaLink Sydney. 

The ‘2024 Australian Commercial Marine Hospitality Operator of the Year’ award was presented to Sea Sydney Harbour: a prestigious award that recognised its commitment to providing unforgettable experiences as well as acknowledging its dedication to innovation and strategic collaborations. 

The brand new ‘2024 Commercial Marine Tourism Operator of the Year’ was awarded to Moonshadow TQC Cruises for its unwavering commitment to growing its market share of international inbound tourism. 

Other awards included:

• 2024 Australian Commercial Marine Project, Design or Manufacturer of the Year - Steber International
• 2024 Australia Marine Industry Innovation of the Year - Steber International 
• 2024 Marine Industry Champion of the Year - Tony Longhurst, CEO, The Boat Works
• 2024 Australian Marine Industry Apprentice of the Year - Jade Ralph from Echo Marine Group
• Marine Industry Highly Commended Innovation of the Year - Eclass Outboards

David Good, CEO of AIMEX, Superyacht Australia and ACMG commented: ‘The 2024 Australian Marine Industry Awards marked a celebration of excellence, innovation, and dedication within the maritime sector. From groundbreaking technological advancements to exceptional leadership and accomplishments, the event showcased the remarkable achievements of individuals and organisations shaping the future of Australia's marine industry.’ 

This spectacular event not only showcased but acknowledged the excellence of the marine industry of Australia, with the eleven winners representing the very best of the nautical industry in its entirety.