The International WorkBoat Show, held from November 12 to 14 in New Orleans, Louisiana, served as an exclusive trade only event for the commercial marine industry. It brought together vessel and fleet owners, operators, builders, and the suppliers, creating a specialised platform for showcasing innovation, fostering industry connections, and industry-specific solutions.
The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) and the Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) showcased Australia’s capabilities for the first time with an Australian Pavilion featuring AIMEX and ACMG members Hullbot, Marine Air Flow International, Nebo Global and Poly Flex Group.
Marine Air Flow International embarked on a U.S.A. roadshow, kicking off at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show before heading west to the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans. The journey included a shipyard tour of Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, as well as visits to Port Fourchon and Edison Chouest Offshore. The team traveled north to Canada before concluding their global showcase in Singapore, capping off a whirlwind month of highlighting their marine ventilation systems to an international audience. Meanwhile, in Australia, the company celebrated a significant milestone, winning the National Small Business Category at the Australian Export Awards in Canberra.
Nebo Global launched its NeboFleet tracking solution for workboat fleets whilst at the show. Already in operation with selected businesses in the United States and Australia, NeboFleet provides fleet managers and operational staff with a clear view of fleet and vessel status and an accurate track of where each vessel has travelled.
Poly Flex Group made a strong impression during their first visit to New Orleans, showcasing their advanced polymer technology for vibration control in the marine industry. Their display of variously sized mounts and couplings garnered significant interest throughout the three-day event with their ability to efficiently manufacture in Australia and ship globally.
Hullbot expanded the global marketing of their autonomous robots designed to clean vessel hulls, delivering benefits such as fuel savings, reduced emissions, and enhanced performance. Following a successful presentation at the Interferry Conference in Morocco, the Hullbot team attracted significant interest at the event, particularly from commercial boat operators and fleet managers eager for innovative, environmentally friendly solutions.
The show provided invaluable opportunities for Australian exhibitors to engage with international buyers, discuss emerging industry trends and form strategic partnerships, underscoring AIMEX and ACMG’s ongoing commitment to promoting Australian excellence on the global stage.
The Australian Pavilion was among the first to participate in the International Business Hub at the International WorkBoat Show, alongside the Netherlands and Canada. AIMEX and ACMG are proud to support this initiative and look forward to seeing the International Business Hub expand its reach and influence in the coming years.
David Good, CEO of AIMEX commented: “Workboat has been on our radar for a number of years, and now after experiencing the quality of inquiries and attendees at the show, it is clear that this is the premier B2B marine tradeshow in the USA. It will be one of the first shows recommended for Australian exporters entering the USA market. The highlight for the AIMEX stand was Space X representatives requiring assistance and guidance to support their rocket retrieval operations off the WA coast”
AIMEX and ACMG eagerly anticipate building upon the connections and opportunities created at the International WorkBoat Show and look forward to returning in 2025.
