2026 AUSTRALIAN MARINE INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS

The 2026 Australian Marine Industry Awards winners and finalists were honoured at a Gala Dinner on 19 May 2026, at The Langham Gold Coast. 

The Awards celebrate outstanding achievement across Australia’s superyacht, marine export and commercial marine sectors. They are presented by the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) and are open to members of AIMEX, Superyacht Australia, and the Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG).

Australian Commercial Marine Awards

In 2026, ACMG Members applied for the Australian Commercial Project, Design or Manufacturer of the Year Award and the newly combined category, the Australian Operator of the Year, which joined the former Hospitality Operator and Tourism Operator awards into one.

2026 Commercial Operator of the Year – CHAPMAN

Commercial Operator Finalists – All Event Cruises, Inception Cruises, Moonshadow TQC Cruises, OZ Jet Boating, Sea Sydney Harbour, SEADECK

2026 Commercial Project, Design or Manufacturer of the Year – Norman R. Wright & Sons

Commercial Project, Design or Manufacturer Highly Commended – Marine Structures

Commercial Project, Design or Manufacturer Finalists – Aus Ships Group, Halliday Engineering, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, Steber International, and Sweep Workboats.

Marine Industry Wide Awards

Open to all members of ACMG, AIMEX and Superyacht Australia, the Marine Industry Wide Awards recognise excellence in marketing strategy, innovation and apprenticeships.

2026 Innovation of the Year – Muir Engineering 

Innovation Finalists – Bellingham Marine, Control Point Group, CHAPMAN, Ches Power Group, Marine Air Flow International, Morris Nautical, and Steber International.

2026 Marketing Strategy of the Year – Integ Marine Group

Marketing Strategy Finalists – Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, CHAPMAN, Grand Boats, Luxe Cruising Group and Steber International.

The Australian Marine Industry Champion of the Year is an industry award that recognises an individual who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to the growth, leadership and success of Australia’s marine industry.  

2026 Champion – Jamie Bruce, Birdon

The Apprentice of the Year receives the incredible reward of travelling with the Australian delegation to Metstrade in Amsterdam.

2026 Apprentice of the Year – Laura Hillman, Riviera Australia

New South Wales Apprentice – Charlotte Anderson, Birdon

Western Australian Apprentice – Mitchell Dick, Austal

Apprentice Finalists – Halliday Engineering, Marine Air Flow International, Maritime Professional Solutions and Onboard Engineering

Meet our Awards Judges

The Australian Marine Industry Awards are guided by a panel of respected industry leaders whose expertise and insight are invaluable. Their knowledge, experience, and careful evaluation ensure the awards maintain the highest standard of excellence, and it is their contribution that makes the awards the benchmark of achievement in the Australian marine sector.

Explore the Australian Marine Industry Award Judges 

Benefits of Entering the Awards

The Australian Marine Industry Awards are free to enter and provide an opportunity to:

• Gain industry recognition for outstanding achievements
• Increase visibility through national media and industry exposure
• Showcase your projects, products and services
• Recognise and reward the achievements of your team
• Connect with industry leaders, peers and past award winners
  

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  A Global Opportunity for Apprentices

AIMEX’s commitment to supporting the future of Australia’s marine industry is epitomised through the Australian Marine Industry Apprentice of the Year Award.

The winner receives complimentary return flights to Amsterdam, accommodation and an industry pass to Metstrade, the world’s largest marine equipment trade show, sharing in the experience of the Australian delegation.

2025 Award Winners

The 2025 Australian Marine Industy Awards attracted a record number of entries, reflecting the depth of talent, innovation and ambition across the Australian marine industry. 

Explore the list of winners and finalists

Read more about the event and award recipients in the official media release

Celebrate your success, strengthen your profile, and position your business at the forefront of the Australian marine industry.

Contact AIMEX

If you are interested in more information about the Australian Marine Industry Awards, please contact Marketing & Communications Manager, Melinda Frowde – mfrowde@aimex.asn.au