ASMEX 2023, Superyacht Australia’s annual conference, was held on 23 May, with a strong line-up of speakers delivering key messages for industry. Held at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort on the Gold Coast, Queensland, the event was a resounding success, showcasing the industry’s latest advancements and addressing key topics.
The conference opened with Peter Munckton, chief economist at Bank of Queensland, providing an energetic summary on ‘The Economic and Financial Market Landscape’ for Australia. He delivered valuable insights on a line-up of key economic indicators from current industry buoyancy, household debt, rate hikes, and the latest federal budget outlook, to insights as to why government spending is becoming a bigger part of the economy and the positives of population growth.
Keynote speaker, Mohammed Hussein Alshaali, chairman at Gulf Craft, shared his personal story on the development and global expansion of Gulf Craft over the last forty-plus years. He also spoke of their latest projects, including the new production expansion in the Maldives and their largest project, building the world’s largest composite production superyacht, the Majesty 175. With five brands, two of which are dedicated to yachts, Majesty and Nomad, Gulf Craft has produced thousands of boats to date and are well known on the global stage for innovation in yacht and boat building having won several international awards for their contribution to industry. “It is a tremendous privilege to have the opportunity to share Gulf Craft’s remarkable journey and success, as well as shed light on the flourishing prospects for the yachting industry in Australia. Together, we have witnessed tremendous growth and have opened new horizons for yachting enthusiasts. I look forward to the potential for further expansion and the bright future that lies ahead.”
The conference also featured an insightful panel discussion, “The Case for Lithium Battery Power,” led by industry members: Matt Ruwald, director at Allmarine Power Solutions; Kyle Davison, manufacturing director at Riviera; Craig Elliott, senior advisor on Vessel Standards at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA); and Steve Connolly, director at Nautical Risk Solutions. Detailed explanations from the panellists covered the different types and life spans of batteries underscoring the importance of battery connection, battery chemistry and battery management systems. The discussion included the different types of lithium-ion batteries with a strong emphasis on the batteries that should be used in the marine industry.
The panel discussion on “The Transformation Towards Net-Zero: The Journey Begins on the Great Barrier Reef” included Gavin Rooney, director of Sales and Marketing at Volvo Penta Oceania, and Perry Jones and Taryn Agius of the Cairns Premier Reef and Island Tours. Rooney presented on the technical challenges associated with achieving operational requirements for eco-friendly tours on the Great Barrier Reef, emphasising that different marine operators will require different energy solutions given the varying distances they need to travel and the expected travel times. Jones and Agius highlighted the obvious challenges in their pilot project partnership with Volvo Penta Oceania and their personal passion to develop a zero-emission tourism vessel on the Great Barrier Reef, encouraging other businesses to prepare for this change and to get started on the path of transformation.
Erin Ackor, president of International Superyacht Society (ISS) and a partner at Moore & Co., P.A. in Miami, Florida, presented on the ISS, outlining their committee structure, projects and activities aimed at expanding international membership and also to strengthen their position as the single industry voice for key issues affecting the global yachting marketplace. Founded in 1989, their international footprint now covers over 1200 members from 600 companies spanning over 50 countries. In 1990, their prestigious ISS Design and Leadership Awards was established to call attention to the outstanding achievements in the design and construction of large yachts.
David Good, CEO at Superyacht Australia presented the latest numbers on foreign superyacht vessels visiting Australian waters in 2022, providing insights into future growth trends and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. According to Good, post the covid-era, the superyacht industry should see larger vessels return to the Asia-Pacific region, an increase in demand for superyacht crew which bodes well for young Australians joining the industry, and the planning for the increase in superyacht visitations in the lead up to the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.
The conference concluded on an exciting and emotional note with Captain Michael Gooding’s presentation on the discovery of the final resting place of Montevideo Maru off the coast of the Philippines. Montevideo Maru was a merchant ship of Japan that was sunk by an American submarine in 1942, during WW2. 1,054 people drowned, mostly Australian prisoners of war and civilians who were being transported from Rabaul, the former Australian territory of New Guinea, to Hainan. The sinking is considered the worst maritime disaster in Australia’s history. The wreck of the Montevideo Maru was discovered on 18 April 2023 in the South China Sea, off the coast of Luzon in the Philippines. The search expedition was led by the not-for-profit Silentworld Foundation. With deep-sea specialists, Fugro, they unveiled the extraordinary find. To demonstrate why this discovery is so important, Gooding shared some of the heartfelt communications he had received from families who had lost loved ones. At the conclusion of the session, delegates were asked to stand as ‘The Ode’ was read out loud.
The annual ASMEX Conference has gained notable momentum over the last ten years and continues to attract a significant presence of Australian and international speakers and delegates. As the premier conference in the Asia- Pacific region for the superyacht industry, ASMEX continues to build on its solid reputation for delivering quality discussions on industry developments and invaluable networking opportunities.
Published in print July-September 2023
