Commercial and defence marine
Australian Commercial Marine Group
The peak body for Australia’s commercial marine industry, representing vessel operators, shipbuilders, ship repairers and the businesses that supply commercial and defence vessels.
About ACMG
Growing Australia’s commercial and defence marine sectors
ACMG brings Australian companies together so the commercial and defence marine sectors continue to grow and stay competitive. Its vision is to develop and unify the industry, promoting its products and capabilities at home and on the world stage.
Members include commercial vessel operators, shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, and manufacturers of equipment for commercial and defence vessels. ACMG is part of AIMEX, the Australian International Marine Export Group, and is governed by its own committee and the AIMEX board of directors, with support from federal, state and local governments.
The industry in numbers
An industry worth more than $50 billion a year
$50.93 billion
in annual business output
$25.16 billion
contributed to Australia’s GDP
137,262
full-time equivalent jobs nationwide
$14.2 billion
in wages to Australian households each year
Source: the Australian Commercial Marine Economic Impact Study, prepared by AEC Group for ACMG and launched in Cairns in March 2026.
What ACMG does
Representing the industry and connecting its businesses
Conferences
The Australian Commercial Marine Conference meets in Sydney each July, and the Great Barrier Reef Commercial Marine Conference first met in Cairns in March 2026.
Representation with government
ACMG represents members with all tiers of government and shares information on grants, finance assistance programs and commercial and defence tender opportunities.
International trade shows
Members can take exhibition space and walkers’ packages at ACMG-supported shows, including Asia Pacific Maritime, METSTRADE and the International WorkBoat Show.
Publications
ACMG and AIMEX produce the Australian Marine Industry Directory each year, and ACMG publishes the Australian Major Haul Out, Refit and Maintenance Directory.
Australian Commercial Marine Conference
The forum for Australia’s commercial marine industry
The conference brings vessel operators, owners, suppliers and industry leaders together for keynote speakers, panel discussions and networking. Attendance has grown each year since it began in 2024, from 72 to 107, then a sell-out 143 registrations aboard SeaLink’s M/V Starship Sydney at Darling Harbour on 29 July 2026.
The 2026 program introduced the Pitch Platform for new products and ideas. The next conference is on Wednesday 28 July 2027.
Explore ACMG
Membership
Join ACMG
Two membership options suit businesses servicing the commercial and defence maritime industry:
- Corporate member, $2,500 + GST: for national companies and key industry stakeholders, with eligibility for election to the ACMG Committee.
- Local member, $700 + GST: for businesses focused on one state.
Both include a listing on the ACMG website and in the Australian Marine Industry Directory, networking events and industry updates.
Upcoming events
- Interferry Conference31 October to 4 November 2026Bangkok, ThailandACMGAIMEX
- Metstrade17 to 19 November 2026Rai Amsterdam Exhibition and Convention Centre, NetherlandsACMGAIMEX
- International WorkBoat Show2 to 4 December 2026New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Centre, Louisiana, United StatesACMGAIMEX
Latest news
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Tidetech named Tasmanian Small Business award winner at 2026 Export Awards
ACMGAustralian ocean data company Tidetech has won the Small Business award at the 2026 Tasmanian Export Awards, presented at a…
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Tidetech named a Tasmanian Employer of Choice for 2026
ACMGTasmanian ocean data company Tidetech has been recognised as an employer of choice by the Tasmanian government, one of a…
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Defence Opens the Door on Seaboats and Small Watercraft Sustainment
ACMGAIMEX CEO David Good recently attended a Defence-run industry information session on a major new procurement initiative from the Offshore…
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Security Vessel News Roundup – US Marine Corps support craft prototype, Romanian Baltic Sea fire and rescue boat and more
ACMGRecent deliveries include a prototype logistics support craft for the US Marine Corps, a rocket-equipped patrol vessel for South Korea,…
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Austal welcomes major milestone for Henderson Defence Precinct
ACMGAustal Limited (ASX: ASB) welcomes the announcement by the Australian and Western Australian Governments confirming the site for the Henderson…
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Marine Structures Strengthens National Presence with New Sydney Office
ACMGAIMEXSYAMarine Structures has expanded its national footprint with the opening of a new Sydney office at Burraneer Bay Marina, providing…
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2026 Australian Commercial Marine Conference a Showcase of Innovation
ACMGThe Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) successfully delivered the third annual Australian Commercial Marine Conference, welcoming a sell-out crowd of…
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BMT Expands International Maritime Design Expertise with One2three Acquisition
ACMGAIMEXSYABMT’s acquisition of One2three Naval Architects strengthens its globally connected ship design offering across ferries, specialist craft and advanced vessel…
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Third Annual Australian Commercial Marine Conference Returns to Sydney Harbour
ACMGThe Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) is pleased to announce details of the third annual Australian Commercial Marine Conference, taking…