Superyacht Australia, the peak body for the Australian Superyacht sector, has joined forces with the Australian International Marine Export group, the peak body for the marine export sector.  AIMEX will set up a Superyacht division and will appoint a committee of Superyacht industry representatives to drive the issues affecting this sector.

Alistair Murray, AIMEX President

Alistair Murray, President of AIMEX said “This is an important step forward for the marine industry, uniting two very significant industry sectors and it will certainly increase the profile and support available for the Superyacht industry.  AIMEX has been managing Superyacht Australia for 18 months, so it is a logical step now to move to a position of working as one entity.”

The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) has gone from strength to strength over the past 10 years and is a major player in the Australian and international export market.  Barry Jenkins, the current Chairman of Superyacht Australia stated “The management, marketing and lobbying support AIMEX will bring to Superyacht Australia will ensure the Superyacht industry sector gets the recognition it deserves.  It is important that greater traction and impetus be given to key issues which are seen as barriers to more Superyachts visiting Australian waters.

Superyacht Australia Chairman Barry Jenkins

Barry Jenkins stated “The decision to merge with AIMEX was taken at the recent Annual General Meeting of SYBA (Superyacht Australia) held in late November, with current directors and financial members unanimously agreeing this was the best way forward for the group.  SYBA had been struggling to remain an independent entity and needed to come under the umbrella of a vibrant, proactive industry body. “

Since being managed by AIMEX, Superyacht Australia has enjoyed an excellent profile and promotion internationally, has made some inroads into key lobbying issues and has developed a new website which is now gaining momentum as the portal for the Australian Superyacht sector.

MaryAnne Edwards, AIMEX CEO will continue to manage the Superyacht division, so it is business as usual.  AIMEX has invited a representative from the Superyacht division committee to represent the Superyacht division on the AIMEX board.  Richard Morris, a past director of SYBA and current Superyacht division committee member is to be the appointed representative to the board.

Alistair Murray said “the AIMEX board is excited by this initiative.  Given the current state of the global marine sector it reduces costs to the industry and allows a stronger more united voice to government.”