MARINE BUSINESS NEWS
NEWS UPDATE
20 March 2026
Publishers note
Have you ever been on the water and come across something that has stopped you in your tracks? It has certainly happened to me. At times you pause and take it in, trying to make sense of what you are looking at, while at other times instinct takes over and you reach for the phone, capturing the moment so you can share it and perhaps seek a second opinion. With modern technology, these moments seem to be happening more often, and no doubt many experienced exactly that on Sydney Harbour recently when the Royal Australian Navy had the Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessel (USV) operating on the water.
There has also been some interesting acquisition and development activity across the industry this week. MA Financial Group has contracted to acquire Gold Coast City Marina, further strengthening its marina portfolio, while the Makris Group has unveiled its $500 million Marina Mirage development, a project that signals continued confidence and investment in key marine precincts.
For anyone looking to either expand, diversify or simply make a lifestyle change, it is worth taking a closer look at Peter Johnston Ship Chandlers, which is currently on the market. Opportunities in the marine industry do not always present with history, location, reputation and growth potential all in one package. Peter Johnston Ship Chandlers in Hobart is one of those rare businesses that does, making it a compelling proposition for the right buyer.
People in the news this week include Andrés Rubio, who will become permanent CEO following Sunseeker’s acquisition by a consortium led by KCP in partnership with Lionheart Capital. Industry stalwart Trevor Lees has retired after 25 years at Whitsunday Escape, marking the end of a significant chapter. We also bring you conversations with two interesting, and equally impressive people, Master Geoff Hutchinson and young entrepreneur Max McKelvey, each offering their own perspective on the industry.
But that’s not all. There is plenty of news across a wide range of topics this week, so please scroll through and take a look.
We do hope you enjoy this week’s news.
Marine Business News is an Australian-owned marine industry news service publishing local and international news. If you have news stories you would like to share, please let us know by contacting our newsroom via our email at NewsRoom@MarineBusinessNews.com.au.
Stay safe on the water,
Domenic Genua - Publisher
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MA Financial Group contracts to acquire Gold Coast City Marina
Last Thursday (12 March 2026), MA Financial Group announced it has contracted (Subject to a customary regulatory condition precedent.) to acquire Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, one of the largest diversified marina and shipyard operations ...
Makris Group Unveils Visionary $500 Million Marina Mirage development
Inspired by 50 years of placemaking expertise and the world’s great Rivieras, yet unmistakably Australian, Makris Group has unveiled the next chapter of its landmark $500 million transformation of Marina Mirage, with the official release of only ...
For Sale! Peter Johnston Ship Chandlers offers rare chance to own a trusted Tasmanian marine business
For the right buyer, opportunities in the marine industry do not always come with history, location, reputation and growth potential all in one package. Peter Johnston Ship Chandlers in Hobart is one of those rare businesses that does. Established in ...
Bioaqualife – that’s smart
Boat transport and boat storage have become routine parts of the marine industry. Whether vessels are being moved between locations, prepared for seasonal storage, or protected while undergoing service and refit work, the need to safeguard boats from ...
Leaving a ‘Unique’ Legacy: Fond farewell for Whitsunday Escape Director Trevor Rees at Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
When Trevor Rees first took the helm at a small, rental boat business in Airlie Beach, little did he know he’d be walking into retirement some 25 years later, having transformed ‘Whitsunday Escape’ into one of Australia’s premier unique accommodation ..
Sunseeker secures new ownership, appoints permanent CEO and new Chairman as it repositions for growth
Sunseeker confirmed that it has secured new owners. A debt purchase from the existing lenders by a consortium led by KCP, in partnership with Lionheart Capital, is expected to be completed last week, with the KCP group also shortly entering into an ...
In Conversation with Marine Rescue Ballina Master Geoff Hutchinson
For the more than 550,000 boat licence holders and 240,000 registered vessels across New South Wales, time spent on the water is part of a lifestyle that blends adventure, relaxation and connection with nature. Whether it is fishing at dawn, ...
World Boating Day 2026 Launches Global Social Media Campaign #WhatFloatsYourBoat
World Boating Day has launched #WhatFloatsYourBoat, a new global social media campaign for 2026 celebrating the people, passions and everyday moments that define the boating industry. The initiative invites companies, professionals and ...
Caribbean C40 Flybridge Production update
The return of the Caribbean 40 marks a pivotal chapter for Caribbean Boats, led by the launch of the reimagined model. Now under the stewardship of Maritimo and guided by the experience of Bill Barry-Cotter, this new generation signals a deliberate ...
In Conversation with Max McKelvey – Manly Boat Hire and Sydney Marine
On the sheltered edge of Little Manly Cove, where Sydney Harbour reveals a quieter and more approachable side of itself, a new generation of marine leadership is reshaping how Australians first experience boating. At the centre of that shift is Max McKelvey ...
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