METSTRADE 2023, the foremost international marine equipment trade show, held annually in Amsterdam, this year marked its 35th year and has been acclaimed as a vibrant success.

Attracting 28,900 visitors who registered more than 18,630 unique visits during the three action packed days from 15 to 17 November, the event showcased 1540 exhibitors, 240 of which were new to the show, from 53 countries, with a brand-new venture to highlight marine industry start-ups.

The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) members were there in force as both exhibitors and attendees. Exhibitors in the Australian Pavilion included Coursemaster Autopilots/Hydrive Engineering, Rainman Desalination, GME, Ronstan International, Greencorp Marine, VEEM Marine, Superior Jetties, Evercor, Marine Protection Systems, Scorkl, Man Overboard Marina Alarm Systems, City of Gold Coast, DOCKPRO and BZ Optics.

AIMEX Directors Stephen Vincent, Eli Green, Ron Schroeder, Richard-Chapman © Salty Dingo 2023

Australian Marine Apprentices of the Year Brent Studman and Jasmine Willoughby © Salty Dingo 2023

Award Winning Ronstan Internationals Orbit Winch dual winner in the deck category © Salty Dingo 2023

Marine Protection Systems Jessica and Brian Gatt © Salty Dingo 2023

In a groundbreaking collaboration this year, METSTRADE and Yachting Ventures came together to introduce the Start-Up Pavilion—an innovative platform crafted to spotlight cutting-edge innovations and products emerging from startups. This unprecedented initiative represents METSTRADE’s steadfast dedication to fostering entrepreneurship within the industry.  It was in this pavilion that Hullbot took centre stage for the second time this month with their groundbreaking hull cleaning robot technology.

AIMEX were delighted to share the METSTRADE experience with two winners of the Australian Marine Industry “Apprentice of the Year Award”.  Joining the Australian delegation was Brent Studman from Echo Yachts the 2023 winner and Jasmine Willoughby from Aus Ships Group, the 2020 winner whose trip was postponed due to the global pandemic.  As winners of the prestigious award, they were treated to complimentary return airfares, accommodation and entry to attend METSTRADE, for their incredible contribution to the Australian marine industry.

Their experience of visiting METSTRADE commenced a day early with a factory tour of Australian owned Dutch Shipbuilder, Moonen Yachts offering a deeper understanding of the design and construction processes employed by one of the world’s premier superyacht builders.

DockPro Showcasing their Advanced Docking Technology © Salty Dingo 2023

Man Overboard Marina Alarm Systems PJ.Williams © Salty Dingo 2023

PropOne Eli Green and Carlo © Salty Dingo 2023

Skorkl David Hallamore © Salty Dingo 2023

Upon the commencement of METSTRADE, Studman and Willoughby joined in the METSTRADE Young Professionals Club.  This unique feature of METSTRADE acknowledging the significance of individuals aged 18-35 in the industry, emphasizing their recruitment and retention and features a dedicated lounge for industry meet-and-greet sessions and facilitated group show tours.

At the METSTRADE DAME Awards, Ronstan International achieved remarkable recognition as the co-winner in the Deck Category with their innovative Orbit Winch. The prestigious award underscores Ronstan’s commitment to excellence in marine equipment design, and the Orbit Winch’s recognition in this category highlights its outstanding contributions to the advancement of deck-related technologies within the marine industry.

AIMEX hosted the eagerly awaited annual tradition, the Outback Party supported by City of Gold Coast, on the second evening within the vibrant Australian Pavilion.  Drawing in both familiar faces and new business contacts, attendees were treated to a diverse array of appetizers complemented by South Australian white wine and Margret River red, enhancing the convivial atmosphere of the Outback Party. This soirée provided an excellent opportunity for networking with key players in the Australian marine industry, extending until approximately 8pm and contributing to the overall success of the event.

David Good, CEO, AIMEX said: “METSTRADE was once again the best place for our Australian marine manufacturers to attend and exhibit. One of the highlights was the ICOMIA De-Carbonisation Report and the astonishing conclusions within it. METS was the perfect platform for such a groundbreaking report to be launched.”

The Australian Marine Export Group eagerly anticipates its participation in METSTRADE in 2024, eagerly anticipating the unveiling of new and innovative products that the international market is poised to release in the upcoming year.

For more information on METSTRADE click here