The Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) is the peak body for Australia’s commercial marine industry. As part of the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX), it is a not-for-profit industry body supporting commercial vessel operators, shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, and manufacturers of commercial and defence vessels and marine equipment.
Our vision
To develop and unify the commercial marine industry in Australia, promoting the sector’s products and capabilities domestically and globally, making the Australian industry a key player at home and on the world stage.
Our mission
To promote and support Australia’s commercial vessel operators, shipbuilding and ship repair facilities and manufacturers of commercial and defence vessels and marine equipment, ensuring consistent growth across the Australian commercial and defence marine industries and providing key benefits and services to the marine sector.
Key facts
| Full name | Australian Commercial Marine Group |
|---|---|
| Short name | ACMG |
| What it is | The not-for-profit peak body for Australia’s commercial and defence marine industry |
| Part of | AIMEX and Australian Marine |
| Governance | The ACMG committee and the AIMEX board of directors |
| Chair | Nick Lester, SeaLink |
| Chief executive | David Good |
| Flagship event | Australian Commercial Marine Conference, Sydney, each July |
| Office | Suite 4401, 4 Daydream Street, Warriewood NSW 2102 |
| Contact | info@aimex.asn.au, +61 413 375 820 |
| Previous website | commercialmarine.com.au |
Our members
Who ACMG represents
Members are drawn from Australia’s shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, commercial operators and services, and manufacturers of marine equipment for commercial and defence vessels.
Commercial vessels are those used in connection with business, trade, commerce, government or research activity. Defence vessels are operated for naval or military purposes by the Australian Defence Force or the armed forces of another country.
- Ferry, charter and tourism vessel operators
- Shipbuilders, ship repairers and shipyards
- Workboats, tugs, pilot boats and dredgers
- Defence and patrol vessels
- Naval architects and vessel designers
- Haul-out, refit and maintenance facilities
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.
Our story
Milestones
- 2015: AIMEX creates the Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG).
- 2018: AMSA takes over regulation of all commercial vessels nationally from the states, showing the need for one national association.
- 2021: ACMG publishes the first Australian Major Haul Out Directory.
- 2023: the NSW Commercial Vessels Association merges into ACMG.
- 2023: ACMG becomes responsible for the Sydney New Year’s Eve Harbour of Light program between the fireworks.
- 2024: the first Australian Commercial Marine Conference is held in Sydney.
- 2025: Vivid Sydney fireworks are arranged to support commercial operators after the drone shows are cancelled.
- 2026: the first Australian Commercial Marine Economic Impact Study is released.
- 2026: the first Great Barrier Reef Commercial Marine Conference is held in Cairns.
Governance
Committee and team
ACMG is governed by a committee and the AIMEX board of directors. The committee is chaired by Nick Lester of SeaLink and brings together operators, shipbuilders and suppliers from across the industry.
The team works from the AIMEX office in Warriewood, NSW: David Good, Chief Executive Officer; Maddie Spencer, Operations Manager; and Sam Rouhan, Membership and Sponsorship Manager.
Part of Australian Marine
ACMG works alongside its sister associations, sharing an office, the Australian Marine Industry Awards and member networking events.
AIMEX
The Australian International Marine Export Group supports Australian marine businesses to succeed in domestic and export markets.
Superyacht Australia
The peak body for the Australian superyacht industry.
Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef
Superyacht Australia’s regional cluster, promoting the Great Barrier Reef as a superyacht destination.
FAQ
Common questions about ACMG
What is ACMG?
The Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) is the not-for-profit peak body for Australia’s commercial and defence marine industry, and part of the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX). Its members include shipbuilders and ship repairers, commercial vessel operators and makers of equipment for commercial and defence vessels.
Who can join ACMG?
Australian businesses that provide shipbuilding and repair facilities and services, or marine products for commercial and defence vessels, and commercial vessel operators. Corporate membership suits national companies and Local membership suits businesses working in one state. See the membership options.
How big is Australia’s commercial marine industry?
ACMG’s Economic Impact Study, prepared by AEC Group and launched in March 2026, found the industry generates $50.93 billion in annual business output, contributes $25.16 billion to gross domestic product, supports 137,262 full-time equivalent jobs and pays $14.2 billion in wages each year.
When is the Australian Commercial Marine Conference?
The conference is held in Sydney each July aboard SeaLink’s M/V Starship Sydney. The 2026 conference on 29 July drew 143 registrations, and the next is on Wednesday 28 July 2027. About the conference.
How is ACMG connected to AIMEX?
ACMG is part of AIMEX and is governed by its committee and the AIMEX board of directors. It shares AIMEX’s office and chief executive, David Good, and sits alongside Superyacht Australia in Australian Marine.
Who leads ACMG?
Nick Lester of SeaLink chairs the ACMG committee, and David Good is Chief Executive Officer.
How do I contact ACMG?
Email info@aimex.asn.au or call +61 413 375 820. Membership enquiries go to Sam Rouhan at srouhan@aimex.asn.au or +61 466 966 161.
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.