|
 Australian-built crafts are very competitively priced in the world market. Australian vessels – from kayaks and canoes through to state-of-the art catamarans and cruisers – are popular in domestic markets and are increasingly making a mark in the international marine scene.
Australian shipbuilders have an impressive record of efficiency and innovation and Australian-made ferries, super yachts, patrol boats, fishing boats, recreational vessels and marine equipment are used worldwide.
Innovation, design capabilities and workmanship are the hallmarks of Australian-made marine products. The industry is renowned for providing practical solutions for challenging marine situations.
Defence-related shipbuilding is the largest sector, following by commercial shipbuilding (ferries and catamarans) and commercial repair and maintenance, which is on the rise.
Australian crafts and marine products are exported to a range of countries including New Zealand, the Pacific Rim, USA, Europe, South America and the Caribbean.
Australian marine equipment and accessory manufacturers have also gained global recognition for a diverse range of marine hardware, components and accessories, including marine ropes, radars, winches, barbecues, buoyancy aids, autopilots and dock flotation systems.
Responsive to niche maritime needs
A maritime nation with a diverse marine environment, the industry has always had to be responsive to customer needs – from fishing vessels to steel tugs for offshore oil and fast ferries.
Some of Australia’s niche markets include:
- Fishing vessels, tugs and offshore oil and gas industry vessels built using steel.
- Custom-built ferries for environmentally sensitive river and estuary systems.
- High-speed car and passenger ferries. Since the Australian company Incat introduced its first 20 metre catamaran in 1978, Australia has supplied the world with more than 50 per cent of all the high-speed car/passenger ferries.
General information
Key exports include patrol boats, luxury yachts and fast passenger ferries. In 2003-04, exports were worth A$109 million.
Key export markets are USA, Denmark, China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand.
Main export markets for different types of vessels:
- Fast passenger ferries- Europe, Asia, South America, Oceania
- Fast car/passenger ferries - Europe, Asia, South America, Oceania
- High-speed patrol/rescue boats - South Asia, South East Asia, Oceania, Middle East
- High-speed ocean freight vessels - Oceania
- Low-wash estuary/river ferries - Europe, North Asia, South East Asia
The industry consists of 75 companies (four to five main players) employing about 8000 people. Ownership is predominately private, but there is evidence of increasing foreign ownership.
Victoria and New South Wales are largely involved in defence projects, while Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmanian companies focus largely on export projects.
For more information please visit:
www.aimex.asn.au - Australian International Marine Export Group
www.amif.asn.au - Australian Marine Industries Federation
www.asa.com.au - Australian Shipowners Association
http://asrg.asn.au - Australian Ship Repairers Group (ASRG)
www.baird.com.au - Baird Publications
www.industry.gov.au - Department of Industry, Science and Resources
www.anmet.com.au - The Australasian Network of Maritime Education and Training (AMNET)
(Last updated: 18 Aug 2007) |