Welcome to 2020. We have a busy year planned for all our members and I look forward to speaking with many of you both at our own events and other marine gatherings during the year.
But first, a quick reminder of how we closed 2019 and that was with the exciting news permitting foreign flagged superyachts to charter in Australian waters with the government passing the legislation that now allows superyachts to use a coastal trading temporary license, ultimately stimulating commercial charter activities.
The industry has been working tirelessly for a number of years in order to pass this bill, which will likely triple our industry activity overnight and I again congratulate all parties involved for their efforts and dedication to this.
As an immediate follow up from the successful passing of the Special Recreational Vessel Act 2019, Superyacht Australia conducted training for vessel agents and charter brokers with instruction provided by subject matter experts from the relevant government departments. We would sincerely like to thanks the government representatives who attended for their time and invaluable instruction ensuring we had certified agents and brokers available to assist foreign flagged vessels within days of the legislation change.
We are already hearing strong indications of increased migration of superyachts coming into the Pacific region heading towards the Summer Olympics in Tokyo in August and the build-up period to the America’s Cup New Zealand which will be raced in March 2021.
With Australia recognised as the dominant refit and maintenance provider in the Asia/Pacific region, and with our refit and repair facilities having invested over $100 million on growing their capabilities over the last 12 months, Australia is well prepared for the expected demand.
Asia Pacific Maritime on 18-20 March in Singapore will be a big focus for us this year given the previous successes we have enjoyed at this bi-annual show. APM brings the heavy hitters into town and with 1,400 international brands across 15 country pavilions and six exhibition halls, it is not one to miss.
ASMEX 2020 from 18-20 May, will again be held at Sanctuary Cove followed by the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. The theme this year is ‘A 2020 Vision for the Future: Building a Stable and Successful Industry and it promises some enthralling speakers and topical sessions.
In conjunction with ASMEX, are pleased to offer our export members a ‘Mentoring & Education Export Series’ as a one-day event of central topics including securing a distributor overseas, export finance and succession planning. Anyone attending these sessions will also be able to attend the Australian Marine Export Awards Gala Dinner in the evening.
The Australian Marine Industry Awards 2020 are already open for submission. Please take to time to review the entry forms and submit entries for as many categories as you qualify for.
We have introduced an ‘Apprentice Award’ this year and I strongly encourage all members to make this new award known to your younger staff members and offer them support and guidance in making their application.
Australia also has the honour to host Interferry 2020 in late October in Hobart and this promises to be a highpoint in the calendar for all our members involved in designing, building, exporting and refitting passenger vessels.
I wish all our members a prosperous year in 2020.
Jeremy Spear
President
Australian International Marine Export Group
