Club Marine Australian Marine Export & Superyacht Industry Awards announces winners

The winners of the 2014 Club Marine Australian Marine Export and Superyacht Industry Awards, organised by AIMEX and Superyacht Australia have been announced at an industry gala dinner in Sanctuary Cove, Queensland.

Muir Winches Australia was awarded the prestigious "Exporter of the Year" and "Best Export Performance - Large Exporter" awards.

Other winners included Steber International, Arctic Steel, SUPERIOR, GME, Hanseatic Marine/Silver Yachts and Rivergate Marina and Shipyard.

Richard Chapman was awarded the “Marine Export Industry Champion” and Stephen Fisher won the “Superyacht Industry Champion” recognising his work for the Australia superyacht industry.

Muir Winches has been the dominant force in Australian anchoring system technology since 1968 and by industry standards is recognised as one of the leaders and innovators for anchoring systems worldwide for superyachts, pleasure crafts, fast ferries and commercial vessels from five to 140 meters in length. Despite the turbulent economic times it was able to maintain its position through innovation, high quality products, a worldwide distributor network that reaches over 40 countries and new marketing initiatives including PR and social media.

Steber International was awarded the "Most Innovative Exported Product" award for its state of the art SSS Blue Bottle – Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) which addressed the worldwide demand for small security vessels which can be operated by one person, on-shore and away from any dangers. This vessel can operate 24/7 and uses solar power.

Arctic Steel won the "Best Export Performance – Small Exporter" category. This Queensland based business designs and manufactures a range of cast stainless steel marine engine water strainers. It prides itself as being the only manufacturer in the world offering a cast stainless steel strainer of unprecedented quality and performance. From virtually zero exports in 2011 it is now exporting to 16 countries across North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific.

The "Best Marine Industry Export Performance – Medium Business category" was awarded to SUPERIOR. SUPERIOR is a leading specialist in marine berthing systems, industrial floatation and accessories for commercial, domestic, private and government clients. Marina systems include Super Elite, Elite, Capri and UMD. Superior also offers a large range of accessories in addition to Sunstream Boatlifts, boat ramp pontoons and jet ski docks.

The “Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show Best Export Marketing Strategy Award” went to GME. GME Marine Division manufactures and distributes a board range of marine electronics beacons, entertainment systems, active/passive antennas and accessories. GME marketing strategy is to build a better business and not the usual "bigger one". This established it as the world’s leader in the EPIRBs (Emergency Position Radio Indicating Beacons) niche market. GME has through strong strategic marketing successfully entered such markets as Bangladesh, Lebanon, Morocco and Egypt.

Hanseatic Marine/SilverYachts based in WA, took the prestigious "Superyacht Industry Business of the Year – Manufacturer" award. SilverYachts remains the only large superyacht builder in Australia and successfully exporting overseas. Their 77m M/Y Smeralda, delivered in 2012, achieved a number of international awards in 2013 including Boat International World Superyacht Award Winner and ShowBoats Design Awards.

Rivergate Marina & Shipyard has won the “Superyacht Industry Business of the Year – Service Provider". This Queensland Marina & Shipyard is recognised as Australia’s and the South Pacific’s leading premier superyacht refit and project management destination. Rivergate works closely with a number of Australian businesses to ensure they can accommodate the refit and repair requirements of any size of superyacht wanting to come to Australia.

Sponsors of the 2014 Awards scheme include Major Sponsor, Club Marine and Supporting Sponsor, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

2014 Club Marine Australian Marine Export & Superyacht Industry Award winners

2014 Australian Marine Industry Exporter of the Year
Winner - Muir Winches Australia 

2014 Most Innovative Marine Industry Exported Product   
Winner - Steber International

2014 Marine Export Industry Champion
Winner - Richard Chapman    

2014 Best Marine Industry Export Performance (Small Exporter)   
Winner - Arctic Steel

2014 Best Marine Industry Export Performance (Medium Exporter)   
Winner - SUPERIOR

2014 Best Marine Industry Export Performance (Large Exporter)   
Winner - Muir Winches Australia

2014 The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show Best Marine Industry Export Marketing Strategy
Winner -  GME

2014 Superyacht Industry Business of the Year (Manufacturer)
Winner - Hanseatic Marine | SilverYachts

2014 Superyacht Industry Business of the Year (Service Provider)
Winner - Rivergate Shipyard & Marina

2014 Australian Superyacht Industry Champion
Winner – Stephen Fisher