Marine Structures, an Australian company, is poised to expand its footprint in the Pacific by leveraging strategic joint ventures and partnerships aimed at enhancing floating marine infrastructure. In a significant move last year, the company merged Superior Jetties and Jetty Specialist, uniting 70 years of combined family experience in the marine industry to create a more robust business platform targeting markets across the Pacific Islands.
John Hogan, the Director of Marine Structures, emphasized the importance of proactive business development, stating, “There is a need to actively develop business rather than wait for orders, focusing on island nations with planned infrastructure.” The company’s strategy involves introducing floating designs alongside traditional fixed structures to address the distinctive needs of local communities.
Cultivating relationships with local companies in Fiji is seen as vital for enhancing delivery and installation capabilities. Over time, Marine Structures plans to transition some manufacturing operations to Fiji, thereby increasing local participation and improving cost efficiency. Fiji is strategically advantageous due to its proximity, cultural similarities, and established supplier networks. The company has already completed multiple successful marina projects there, enhancing its confidence in the region, including expansions at Denarau and super yacht facilities.
Hogan noted, “Current operations involve shipping kits to trusted local installers, but future plans include hiring local employees for on-site roles as project complexity grows.” In this pursuit, non-exclusive partnerships with local stakeholders are also being emphasized to foster broader collaboration networks within Fiji.
Marine Structures focuses on creating floating marine structures that are durable, low-maintenance, and environmentally responsible, fully aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. Innovations such as fiberglass reinforcement and elastomeric hinges have extended the lifespan of their products from 25 to 50 years, significantly minimizing maintenance requirements. Hogan’s expertise in sustainable marina development supports these advancements, stressing the use of concrete, aluminum, and polyurethane to mitigate corrosion and extend product longevity.
Importantly, the company’s sustainability strategy goes beyond the conventional framework by including “destination protection” measures that aim to preserve marine ecosystems. This involves safeguarding coral reefs and mangroves and implementing environmental offsets for unavoidable disturbances.
The floating structures comply with Australian Standard AS 3962 for marina design, ensuring they can withstand threats from cyclones and flooding while addressing anticipated climate risks in the Pacific region. The durability of these products has been proven against the recurrent cyclones experienced along Queensland’s coast.
Hogan also highlighted the seismic resilience offered by the floating design, achieved through subsea anchoring. This aspect could potentially lower costs and risks compared to traditional fixed structures, which is crucial in earthquake-prone areas within the Pacific.
As experts in the development of pontoons, marinas, gangways, and jetties, Marine Structures is at the forefront of providing innovative solutions for both residential and commercial marine infrastructure. Their commitment to sustainable practices and collaboration with local communities positions them favorably for a promising future in the Pacific market.