Aurora crucial cog in rising tide of Aussie exports
by Jeni Bone 16 Sep 2018 06:58 BST
7 luxury motor yachts transported to the US from the Port of Brisbane - 24 Aug © Matt Attard
The summer season started with $14 million in Aussie-made motor yachts heading to the US – seven in one shipment alone, destined for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (31 October to 4 November), and dozens more scheduled for shipping in both directions.
The seven luxury motor yachts were expertly packed onboard the carrier vessel at the Port of Brisbane in a precision procedure expertly managed by Aurora Yacht Logistics, relying on its highly-skilled team and equipment to get the job done without a hitch.
In previous weeks, in time for the Sydney International Boat Show, Aurora handled the arrival of several vessels from Italy, including the exceptional Ferretti Yachts 850 superyacht.
Aurora has observed an increasing number of superyachts and custom-builds heading to our shores. Then there's the much-anticipated summer of yachting down under, including the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, that will add to the influx of sailing yachts arriving on our shores.
"We are proud to say we are one of the strongest yacht logistics company in Australia and a privately owned Australian company," said Jason Roberts a co-owner and director at Aurora Yacht Logistics.
"This time of year, there is a marked rise in demand for our services, both exports to the US and Europe and imports from all over the world. The industry is growing substantially and now makes up 60% of our business."
According to 2017 data from KPMG, the Australian marine export sector is estimated to be worth close to $2 billion to the Australian economy. The Australian superyacht sector generates nearly $190 million per annum via foreign guest and crew expenditure, while the local superyacht sector and its supply chain directly contribute $590 million to GDP, with a further $1.38 billion generated through flow-on activity, plus it supports 14,500 full-time jobs.
Aurora has experience in carrying boats from 30-feet to 300-feet and handles the Customs and Quarantine formalities, and the discharging of yachts directly to water. Aurora also handles the consultancy and importation of foreign owned superyachts into Australia travelling on their own hulls.
Key to Aurora's impact and influence on the global stage is the company's status as Australian agents for Peters & May Global Yacht Transport, making them a crucial part of the global chain.
"Transporting multi-million-dollar vessels requires a qualified and dedicated team and network," explained Jason. "We have a strong relationship with the carriers and have dedicated weekly space which ensures rapid, professional transportation.
"We employ our own skippers, loadmaster, marine surveyors and lashing crew and cradles essential for the movement of yachts safely and efficiently as well as a network of brokers with extensive experience in clearing yachts.
"Breaking from the standard delivery route, which is unusual in this business, these seven boats were considered a significant enough delivery to divert the ship to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, rather than going to Savannah, giving peace of mind to our clients and saving time and costs."
Feedback from local and international clients praises Aurora's commitment to every detail of operations, their professionalism and service raise them to the next level of international yacht shipping.
"We are well known in the Australian and international marine industry and dedicate significant resources to Aurora's yacht logistics product to and from Australia. Our clients, suppliers and colleagues all work as a team with us to ensure we delivery seamlessly on a global stage."
Aurora will attend the Fort Lauderdale Show, 31 October to 4 November, part of the Australian delegation flying the flag for our pristine cruising grounds and varied itineraries, world-class refit and service yards and the ease and cost-effectiveness of spending a season Downunder.