5 November 2025

Felix Ellis, Minister for Business, Industry and Resources

Tasmania’s top advanced manufacturers have lauded the opportunity to showcase their products and services at this year’s Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition.

Twelve Tasmanian entities are exhibiting at the Defence Tasmania stand, with six displaying exciting products including advanced watercraft, a full mission transportable simulator, fire protection systems, and uncrewed and autonomous maritime systems.

Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Felix Ellis, said the Defence Tasmania stand was one of the busiest stands at the show, symbolising the strength of Tasmania’s advanced manufacturers.

“Senior international naval officers, decision makers and buyers are seeking out Tasmania’s industry leaders at the expo to view their innovations and technology,” Minister Ellis said.

“Our small-to-medium enterprises are designing and manufacturing specialised systems that are being sought after to meet, and often exceed, defence requirements.”

Tasmanian firm Sentinel Boats is displaying its 830R tactical rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) at the expo, which was visited by Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy Rear Admiral Golding.

Sentinel Boats CEO, George McGuire, said the organisation seized the opportunity to showcase their high-density polyethylene (HDPE) RHIBs to current and potential future customers.

“The RHIB we have on display at Indo Pac is the same model that is currently in service with the Australian Defence Force, Ukrainian Special Forces and Queensland Police,” he said.

“Last week, Sentinel Boats had the vessel out on Sydney Harbour and the personnel onboard saw firsthand how HDPE eliminates hull slamming noise; and the design and build provide exceptional speed, stability and turning performance on the water.”

Pivot Maritime International, based in Legana, has collaborated with Sentinel Boats to design a trailer fast-craft simulator.
Pivot Maritime International Managing Director, Dr Jeff Hawkins, said the trailer fast-craft simulator was a world-first, using the hydrodynamics of planing hulls as part of its simulation system.

“Having the trailer simulator on the Defence Tasmania stand at Indo Pacific allows Pivot to demonstrate our simulation technology to senior naval officers and watercraft operators, which is a fantastic opportunity for us,” Dr Hawkins said.

“At Indo Pac, Pivot has also collaborated with another Australian SME to demonstrate the sophisticated integration of maritime and weapon systems simulation technologies, which we are really excited to showcase to operators.”

Tasmanian firm CBG Systems is displaying its Rapid Access Composite (RAC) structural fire protection system and camouflage netting at Indo Pac.

CBS Systems Managing Director, Javier Herbon, said the RAC system was developed in partnership with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.

“CBG’s RAC insulation is fitted to several Royal Australian Navy platforms and US Navy vessels,” Mr Herbon said.

“It can withstand temperatures of more than 1000°C. The technology weighs about half as much as traditional metal panelling and provides a structural fire protection solution for engine rooms, mission bays and vehicle decks.”

Minister Ellis said Tasmanian manufacturers such as Sentinel Boats, Pivot Maritime International and CBG Systems were boosting Australia’s sovereign defence capability in critical areas.

“Tasmanian manufacturers are playing a vital role in boosting Australia’s sovereign defence capability and in doing so, they’re creating highly skilled jobs and delivering real economic benefits here at home,” Minister Ellis said.

“Manufacturing contributes nearly $2 billion a year to Tasmania’s economy and supports more than 20,000 direct jobs.

“We’re working together to move our state forward, backing our advanced manufacturers with dedicated support through Defence Tasmania and the Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan.

“Because when they succeed, Tasmania succeeds.”