The Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) has announced the program for the inaugural ‘Australian Commercial Marine Conference’ set to take place in Sydney on Thursday, August 1, 2024. This new event is set to become a must attend fixture for the Australian commercial marine industry bringing valuable insights and information to commercial operators.

Following the amalgamation in 2023 of the NSW-based ‘Commercial Vessels Association’ into ACMG, the organisation now proudly represents over 40 commercial operators nationwide. This expansion, along with the established designers, shipbuilders, component manufacturers and service providers positions ACMG as the leading voice for Australia’s commercial marine industry.

Key topics of the conference will include the latest in commercial marine technologies, pollution regulations, lithium battery risks, and decarbonisation strategies. These sessions are particularly aimed at those unable to attend the ASMEX Conference that was held at Sanctuary Cove in May.

The program of speakers and topics will feature Peter Munckton, Chief Economist, Bank of Queensland, delivering an informative session on current and key drivers of the Australian economy. Tommy Ericson, Director, Aus Ships Group, will discuss emissions reduction, and William Bratt, Director Marine Sales & Marketing, Volvo Penta, who will share information on new IPS drives for commercial vessels.

Steve Connolly, Director, Nautical Solutions, presenting at the annual ASMEX 2024 Conference

Tom Loefler, CEO of Hullbot, and Jessica Gatt, Managing Director of Logix Enterprises, will present a session focused on hull cleaning and coating efficiencies.

Capt. John Kavanagh, Director of Legal Practice, Pacific Maritime Lawyers, will provide an update on Pollution Prevention and Response. Additionally, Chris Herbert, Sales and Business Development, HIFraser, will share his expertise on vacuum sewer systems and maintenance.

Angus McDonald, CEO, Maritime Impulse, will discuss decarbonisation of commercial vessels, whilst Steve Connolly, Director, Nautical Solutions and Adam Gohl, Senior Marine Surveyor, AMSA, will together present an overview on lithium battery safety and upcoming regulations.

Capt. Nick Yatsenko, Deputy Harbourmaster – Sydney and Port Botany, Port Authority NSW will offer a Sydney Harbour operations update. In addition, Adam Huie, Project Manager, Banks Events, together with a representative from Destination NSW will present an overview of events on Sydney Harbour, including a wrap-up of New Years Eve, Australia Day, and Vivid events, along with plans for the next twelve months.

David Good, CEO, ACMG who will offer an overview of ACMG Strategic Focus, commented on the conference, “Australia’s commercial operators, equipment suppliers and manufacturers are all working hard to make this industry more efficient and cleaner for the environment, this conference will help encourage further cooperation and inform industry on the latest developments.”

The conference will be hosted onboard M/V Starship, moored at King Street Wharf for the duration of the event. Nick Lester, General Manager, SeaLink Sydney Harbour and ACMG Chairman, expressed his enthusiasm: “I am pleased to host the first New South Wales-based Australian Commercial Marine Conference. This great initiative marks the first of many to encourage industry collaboration to ensure a bright future for manufacturing, exports and operators alike both in NSW and Australia wide.”

Tommy Ericson, Director, Aus Ships Group and Brad Marsden, Director, Marine Air Flow International, enjoying networking opportunities at the ASMEX 2024 Conference

The inaugural Australian Commercial Marine Conference will be free for all current ACMG members, with tickets available for purchase by non-members. The conference will conclude with the Sydney International Boat Show Annual Members Networking Drinks, also held onboard M/V Starship.

ACMG acknowledges and extends our gratitude to sponsors of the Australian Commercial Marine Conference; SeaLink Sydney Harbour, Nautical Solutions, Spear Green Design, Marine Air Flow International and Aus Ships Group.

For more information visit www.commercialmarine.com.au/australian-commercial-marine-conference/