Tasmania showcases next-gen gear at Indo Pacific

5 November 2025

Felix Ellis,

Minister for Business, Industry and Resources

Tasmania’s high superior producers have lauded the chance to showcase their services at this yr’s Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition.

Twelve Tasmanian entities are exhibiting on the Defence Tasmania stand, with six displaying thrilling merchandise together with superior watercraft, a full mission transportable simulator, fireplace safety programs, and uncrewed and autonomous maritime programs.

Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Felix Ellis, stated the Defence Tasmania stand was one of many busiest stands on the present, symbolising the energy of Tasmania’s superior producers.

“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 stated.

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

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

Sentinel Boats CEO, George McGuire, stated the organisation seized the chance to showcase their high-density polyethylene (HDPE) RHIBs to present and potential future prospects.

“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 stated.

“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 Managing Director, Dr Jeff Hawkins, stated the trailer fast-craft simulator was a world-first, utilizing the hydrodynamics of planing hulls as a 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 stated.

“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 agency CBG Systems is displaying its Rapid Access Composite (RAC) structural fireplace safety system and camouflage netting at Indo Pac.

CBS Systems Managing Director, Javier Herbon, stated the RAC system was developed in partnership with Australia’s nationwide science company, CSIRO.

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

“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 stated Tasmanian producers comparable to Sentinel Boats, Pivot Maritime International and CBG Systems had been boosting Australia’s sovereign defence functionality in important 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 stated.

“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.”