Rivergate welcomes ASMEX delegates

On the final day of the 2019 ASMEX Conference, delegates were able to inspect some of south-east Queensland’s premier shipyards.

A group of 30 delegates enjoyed a two-hour visit to Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, situated on Brisbane River.

Rivergate Director, Tom Hill welcomed delegates and, while the barbeque heated up, escorted them on a site tour. 

“The tour took in the 55m superyacht shed with a vessel mid-refit, inspected custom builds, racing yachts and the various sailing and motor yachts on the 105-berth marina – some standouts such as SY TWIZZLE and SY MYSTERE,” explained Tom Hill. 

Rivergate revealed its plans for the adjacent block of land for future expansion, as well as planned investment in larger lifting capacity and facility upgrades. 

The international visitors were treated to an “Aussie barbie”, cooked to perfection by Rivergate’s Florian Archan, and spoke of their impressions of the ASMEX Conference and the yard tour so far. 

Philipp von Arnim, Head of Business Development at Lürssen Yachts, said “It was great to be a part of an industry tour whilst I was in Australia, showing the refit and maintenance facilities in that part of the world.

“I was very impressed indeed. I also see why a Lürssen Yacht recently enjoyed the services and expertise of Rivergate in this part of the world.” 

Carmen Lau, Managing Director at Camper & Nicholsons Asia, said the tour was “extremely valuable” for gaining insight into the refit and repair capabilities in Australia. 

“There are many yachts that we could send to Australia for projects and to enjoy the cruising, now that we know they would be well taken care of.” 

“This was an addition to the program this year and it was well received,” said AIMEX CEO, David Good, convenor of ASMEX 2019.

“Delegates appreciated the first-hand experience of each of the very different shipyards, meeting management and gaining an understanding of the scope and scale of the offering in south-east Queensland.

“There’s a lot of investment, development and a proactive approach to attracting boats to our shores. Delegates can now see the preparedness of local yard to welcome the world’s superyachts, as well as servicing and refitting Australian vessels that cruise the east coast.”