The Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) has announced details of the third annual Australian Commercial Marine Conference, taking place on Wednesday, 29 July aboard the SeaLink M/V Starship Sydney at Darling Harbour.
Full Conference Room – ACMG Conference 2025 © Salty Dingo 2025
This one-day event brings together operators, suppliers and industry leaders from across the country and will feature a strong line-up of speakers, major project updates, the newly introduced Pitch Platform and the return of a dedicated Exhibitor Zone highlighting the latest technologies and solutions across the sector.
The program will highlight key developments influencing the future of commercial marine, including the unveiling of Control Point Group’s SUKKAGON™ ventilation system, the introduction of Scania’s next-generation propulsion technology, alongside insights into the development of Aus Ships Group’s first fully electric passenger ferry.
Complementing these highlights, the agenda will deliver practical, real-world perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing the industry, with expert speakers covering topics such as economics, tourism, operations, innovation and sector development.
Delegates will be among the first to see the SUKKAGON™, an Australian-built commercial marine ventilation system from Major Conference Partner, Control Point Group. The Australian-designed solution is set to transform how shipyards manage atmospheric conditions, improving safety, efficiency and operational performance.
Sukkagon ™
Presented in detail by Owners and Directors Clayton ‘Ditch’ Vladich and Adam Spinelli, alongside General Manager Johnny Fisher, together they will draw on decades of frontline emergency response, safety and operational experience to highlight how vision, resilience and innovation have supported the evolution into a diversified safety solutions organisation.
Commenting on their upcoming involvement at the Conference: “The conference marks the official launch of the SUKKAGON™, our in-house designed and Australian-made ventilation management solution, engineered to improve confined and enclosed space operations by delivering safer, more consistent, and more efficient maintenance environments. Developed from years of operational experience and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives, the SUKKAGON™ combines practical innovation with proven performance to enhance workplace safety, increase productivity, and support more effective vessel maintenance programs. We look forward to unveiling this innovation, connecting with industry leaders, and demonstrating how Australian innovation, the SUKKAGON™ will set the new benchmark for modern shipyard operations.”
In a joint presentation from Scania Australia, Account Managers Cameron Murch and Jason Rendle will bring their extensive experience across marine engines, electrical systems and integrated power solutions. Cameron will introduce Scania’s next generation of marine engine, its most fuel-efficient yet, and explain how it is designed to prepare the industry for the future. Whilst Jason will present on the Scania E-Machine, providing valuable insights into how hybrid propulsion can enhance vessel performance, improve efficiency, and support more sustainable operations.
Greg Newby, Director, Sydney Maritime Institute – ACMG Conference 2025 © Salty Dingo 2025
Inspecting a Hullbot Robot – Australian Commercial Marine Conference © Salty Dingo 2024
Cameron Murch commented on their upcoming presentation at the conference: “The Australian Commercial Marine Conference is an important industry event and Scania is delighted to be a Major Partner. This year’s conference provides the perfect opportunity to launch and demonstrate our latest fuel-efficiency advancements and new electric propulsion performance system, highlighting our commitment to sustainable marine transport. The Scania Australia team looks forward to welcoming attendees in Sydney and discussing the future of marine propulsion.”
Exclusive insights into Australia’s first fully electric passenger ferry will be a conference highlight, with Tommy Ericson, Director of Aus Ships Group, sharing details of its design, development and construction of the groundbreaking project which exemplifies Australian ingenuity with world-class marine engineering. His presentation will explore advancements in electric propulsion, accessible vessel design and the innovations shaping the future of sustainable commercial marine transport.
SeaLink’s Starship Sydney – Australian Commercial Marine Conference © Salty Dingo 2024.jpg
Janene Rees, Australian Tourism Industry Specialist and Director of Rees International, will present ‘Tourism at the Helm: Why Visitor Demand, Global Markets and Marine Experiences Are Shaping Australia’s Commercial Marine Future’, exploring how tourism trends and global demand are influencing growth and opportunity across the sector.
Gavin Rooney, Sales and Application Manager at Humphree, will explore how advanced trim and stabilisation systems are improving vessel performance and efficiency. Drawing on Humphree’s data, real-world applications and proven results, he will demonstrate how optimised trim and stability can reduce hull resistance, lower fuel consumption and reduce total cost of ownership.
Drawing on ACMG’s Commercial Economic Impact Study (EIS), David Good, CEO of ACMG will unpack the scale and significance of an industry now exceeding $50 billion in economic value. Using current data and industry insight, he will detail how this independent data can be used for advocacy and why the sector’s true economic contribution is often underestimated.
William Bratt, Volvo Penta – Australian Commercial Marine Conference © Salty Dingo 2024
Open to Q&A – ACMG Conference 2025 © Salty Dingo 2025
Rounding out the program, Peter Munckton, Chief Economist at the Bank of Queensland, will provide an economic update, offering a clear outlook on current market conditions and the broader financial landscape impacting marine businesses.
A new feature of the 2026 Conference is the Pitch Platform, introduced to offer members the opportunity to present their products and services directly to a targeted audience of industry professionals. This fast-paced session provides a valuable platform for sharing Australian innovation, whilst fostering business growth within the sector.
Complementing the program is the Exhibitor Zone, where companies will present their capabilities, technologies and services, creating further opportunities for delegates to connect with industry suppliers throughout the day. Exhibitors include Gineico Marine & Aerlift Australia, Integ Marine Group, Logix Consulting, Sea-Flux, Slattery & Grays, Tiller Technical and Z-GRYO.
Exhibitor Logix Enterprises – ACMG Conference 2025 © Salty Dingo 2025
Registrations are open, with ACMG Corporate Members receiving four complimentary registrations, ACMG Local Members receiving one, while non-members and additional registrations are available at $450+GST.
Designed to foster meaningful industry connections the conference places a strong emphasis on networking, with dedicated sessions throughout the day to build relationships, exchange ideas and explore new commercial opportunities. It will conclude with Member Networking Drinks, bringing together Members of ACMG, the Australian Marine Export Group (AIMEX) and Superyacht Australia for a relaxed and social close to the day.
Networking Opportunities – Australian Commercial Marine Conference © Salty Dingo 2024
Networking Drinks – ACMG Conference 2025 © Salty Dingo 2025
ACMG extends its appreciation to the conference sponsors, whose generous support plays a vital role in delivering this important industry event and ensuring a high-quality experience for all attendees.
Major Partners – Control Point Group, Scania Australia and SeaLink Marine & Tourism
Supporting Partners – Interferry and Power Equipment
For more information, visit www.commercialmarine.com.au/australian-commercial-marine-conference/
