A Queensland business making waves in the international marine industry has been awarded the 2024 Australian Export Award for Small Business.

Marine Air Flow International was recognised for its incredible export success in taking its unique marine ventilation equipment to the world.

Its innovative custom-engineered ventilation solutions reduce salt mist and spray by up to 99% in marine engine rooms, improving crew conditions, increasing equipment lifespan and lowering operating costs.

“Our commitment to quality is what has allowed us to evolve, grow and expand,” said Marine Air Flow International’s Director Bradley Marsden.

“Every year, we refuse to stay behind and invest in cutting-edge equipment, R&D and staff training.”

In 2024, the company inked its largest ever deal with a Singaporean boat building company to design and manufacture equipment for two ferries destined for the United Arab Emirates.

“The order was a historic achievement – it was the largest in our company’s 19-year history,” said Marsden.

The Gold Coast-based business, which also supplies defence and military markets, says its big export break came after it started to exhibit at international boat shows in 2017.

Exports have since surged to almost 50% of total sales with Singapore and Turkey key export markets.

“Sending cold emails is just not enough to break into new markets,” said Marsden.

“It’s important to get out there and visit the markets in person to make a real impact.”

This year, Marine Air Flow International plans to increase its presence at international boat shows, with events in Hamburg and New Orleans.

“Our aim in the coming years is to enter new markets in Europe, the United States and the Middle East,” said Marsden.

“Our primary driver for international expansion is market diversification. Prior to venturing into exporting, a single client constituted around 80% of our revenue.”

The company also prioritises sustainable sourcing, helping to meet the increasing demand for green, eco-friendly products from overseas clients.

“We have recently shifted our aluminium extrusion supply to lower-carbon aluminium, which is a cleaner, greener aluminium,” said Marsden.

“This has had an immediate effect of lowering the CO2 emission of our products.”

Marine Air Flow International was the joint winner of the Small Business category with Melbourne construction vision technology company photoSentinel.

Now in its 62nd year, the Australian Export Awards is Australia’s longest running business awards program and celebrates the achievements of exporters and their contribution to Australia’s economic prosperity.

Exporters make a significant contribution to the economy, creating new jobs in major cities and regional towns for the prosperity of all Australians.

In 2024, there were more than 360 applications submitted across eight states and territories and 88 national finalists. Collectively, these finalists generated more than $7.8 billion in export earnings in FY2023/24 and more than half were classified as small businesses.

The Australian Export Awards are proudly presented by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in partnership with State and Territory awards programs. The Awards are made possible through the valued contributions of key sponsors, including leading Australian corporations and government departments.

2024 Australian Export Award Winners (Name & Category)

Rising Sun Pictures (SA) 2024 Australian Exporter of the Year and Creative Industries

Fivecast (SA) Advanced Technologies

Frosty Boy Global (Qld) Agribusiness, Food and Beverages

Life-Space Group (Vic) e-Commerce

The Whiskey Project Group (NSW) Emerging Exporter (joint)

Royal Poly Products (WA) Emerging Exporter (joint)

Engineering Institute of Technology (WA) International Education and Training

ResMed (NSW) International Health

TNA solutions (NSW) Manufacturing and Advanced Materials

Reeves Envico (Vic) Professional Services

Care Essentials (Vic) Regional Exporter

MicroBioGen (NSW) Resources and Energy Marine

Air Flow International (Qld) Small Business (joint)

photoSentinel (Vic) Small Business (joint)

NOJA Power (Qld) Sustainability and Green Economy

For more information and to read stories about all winners visit exportawards.gov.au