What Aurora Marine Design does

Aurora Marine Design is a privately held naval architecture and marine engineering consultancy based at the Gold Coast City Marina in Coomera, Queensland, Australia. Founded in 1999 by Peter Hogbin as PHD Marine and subsequently renamed, the firm delivers vessel design services spanning concept development through to sea trials for steel, aluminium, and FRP/composite hulls, alongside technical consultancy, stability assessments, plan approvals, loadline calculations, Safety Management System documentation, modifications and refits, and preliminary feasibility studies. Its operating technology centres on 3D computer modelling capable of producing accurate 2D CNC cutting data and 3D 5-axis milling data, with quality assurance implemented per AS/NZS/ISO 9001 standards and AMSA Accreditation No 127747 authorising regulatory design certification for Australian commercial vessels. The firm also licenses a library of commercial stock designs and kit boats through approved builders.

The firm has expanded its capability base and reference portfolio through three integrations: Clubb Marine Design in 2006 (contributing 55+ years of experience and 200+ custom designed vessels from founder Ron Clubb), and Commercial Naval Architects and John Lund Marine Design in 2014 (adding expertise in patrol boats, cargo vessels, landing barges, floating plant, and dredgers). Revenue is generated primarily through professional services engagements—custom vessel design, technical consultancy, modifications and refits, and stability/regulatory documentation—priced on a quote basis with no public pricing disclosed, plus a smaller licensing and royalty stream from stock plans and kit boats.

Aurora Marine Design sells directly to vessel owners, operators, builders, and government agencies across the Asia Pacific region, with disclosed customers including Flagship Cruises & Events (electric ferry replacement program), Transport for NSW (67.7m landing barges Quandamooka and Minjerribah), Townsville Coastguard, YOT Club, Byrne Bros P/L (48.5m grab dredger Argyll refit), and Smithbridge Australia (Nambucca Bridge heavy-lift consultancy). Builder partners include Harwood Marine (core partner) and O'Brien Boats (regular partner) for downstream construction of its designs. The firm operates as a founder-controlled entity with 1-10 employees and no external equity funding disclosed.

Name

Aurora Marine Design

Legal name

Aurora Marine Design

Website

https://auroramarinedesign.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Aurora Marine Design is a Coomera, Australia-based naval architecture and marine engineering consultancy that designs custom vessels, performs stability assessments, and delivers technical consultancy for commercial, government, and recreational clients across the Asia Pacific region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Services

NAICS

Ship Building and Repairing (336611), Ship and Boat Building (33661)

SIC

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)

akta.pro primary industry

Production Design & Detailed Engineering (3D CAD, Drawings, BOM, Nesting) (IMAJAGAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Concept & Feasibility Naval Architecture (Requirements, Trade Studies) (IMAJAGAA), Stability, Weight & Load Analysis (Intact/Damage Stability, Weight Control) (IMAJAGAI), Safety, Risk & Compliance Engineering (SOLAS, Class Rules, HAZID/HAZOP, FMEA) (IMAJAGAJ), Classification Society & Flag-State Liaison / Plan Approval Support (IMAJAGAN), Project Management & Owner’s Engineering / Technical Consultancy (Spec Writing, Bid Support, Site Support) (IMAJAGAO)

Keywords

• Naval architecture services
• Vessel design consultancy
• Marine engineering design
• Stability assessment services
• Ship classification design

Headquarters

HQ city

Coomera

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Vessel Design Services: Complete design solution from initial preliminary concept through to sea trials for custom vessels built to local and international survey/classification standards including ABS, BV, DNV, Lloyds, USL, and Australian Standards
2. Technical Consultancy: Professional technical advice, stability assessments, plan approvals, loadline calculations, and SMS (Safety Management Systems) documentation services
3. Vessel Modifications and Refits: Design and engineering services for vessel modifications and refits, including GAP analysis for survey compliance
4. Stock Plans and Kit Boats: Access to commercial stock designs and kit boats available in flat packs or through approved local builders

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels2 records

Core offering

Aurora Marine Design provides custom naval architecture and marine engineering services, delivering complete vessel designs from initial concept through to sea trials in steel, aluminium, and FRP/composite construction. The firm produces 3D models, 2D CNC cutting data, and 3D 5-axis milling data, and offers stability assessments, plan approvals, loadline calculations, SMS documentation, vessel modifications, refits, and preliminary feasibility studies to commercial, government, and recreational marine clients in the Asia Pacific region.

Product overview

Aurora Marine Design is a naval architecture and marine consultancy organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of vessel design and engineering services. The core offering consists of vessel design services (spanning concept to sea trials) complemented by professional technical advice, stability assessments, plan approvals, loadlines, and safety management systems. Additional services include 3D modelling with CNC cutting data generation and preliminary feasibility studies. The product portfolio is organized across multiple vessel categories including motoryachts (18m-44m), passenger vessels (15m-35m), commercial fishing vessels (11m-21m), patrol and offshore vessels (11m-34m), sportsfishing vessels (6m-22m), landing barges (10m-68m), cargo vessels (29m-106m), charter vessels, leisure craft (5m-8m), and yachts (15m-18m). The company also offers conversion and refit services, and stock plans/kit boats through approved builders. Services are delivered from the Gold Coast, Australia with accreditation from AMSA and quality assurance based on ISO 9001 standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Vessel Design Services Complete custom vessel design service from initial preliminary concept through to sea trials, covering steel, aluminium, and FRP/composite vessels designed to local and international survey and classification standards including ABS, BV, DNV, Lloyds, USL, and Australian Standards. Targeted at vessel owners, operators, shipyards, and government bodies.
• Professional Technical Advice and General Consultancy Marine consultancy services providing professional technical advice, bridge engineering, deck strength modelling, crane lift calculations, and feasibility analyses for maritime projects. Aimed at vessel operators, builders, and government agencies needing expert naval architecture input.
• Vessel Modifications, Conversions and Refits Design and engineering services for vessel modifications, conversions, and refits including GAP analysis for survey compliance, modification drawings, superyacht refits, grab dredger conversions, and bow ramp installations. Delivered to existing vessel owners seeking to upgrade or re-purpose their vessels.
• Stability Assessment and Documentation Stability analysis and assessment services including complete inclining experiments and stability documentation for commercial vessel certification under AMSA and classification society requirements.
• Plan Approvals Preparation of structural and engineering drawings for vessel construction, submitted for plan approvals and certification through AMSA and classification societies.
• Loadline Calculations and Documentation Loadline calculation and documentation services for commercial vessel registration and compliance under AMSA and international conventions.
• SMS (Safety Management Systems) Development and implementation of Safety Management Systems for vessels to meet regulatory compliance requirements.
• 3D Modelling and CNC Cutting Data State-of-the-art 3D computer modelling to generate accurate 2D CNC cutting data and 3D 5-axis milling data for vessel construction, plus photo-realistic 3D images and walkthroughs for client visualization and marketing. Enables faster and more accurate builds with labour cost savings.
• Preliminary Feasibility Studies Project feasibility studies ranging from preliminary cost estimates to in-depth technical analyses including conceptual plans and preliminary stability reviews to support client go/no-go decisions.
• Stock Plans and Kit Boats Access to commercial stock vessel designs and kit boats available in flat packs or turn-key configurations delivered through approved local builders. Allows buyers to license proven designs rather than commissioning fully custom work.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 50 custom vessel designs completed in Steel, Aluminium & FRP/Composite

Named customers6 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered major, core, minor and regular.

• Flagship Cruises & EventsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 December 2025San Diego-based ferry operator planning $21 million investment to replace two diesel ferries with electric ones by fall 2026, supported by $15.3 million grant from California Air Resources Board. Aurora Marine Design involved as design partner for the electric ferry project targeting San Diego Bay sustainability improvements.
• Commercial Naval Architects (CNA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Integrated into Aurora Marine Design in 2014. Founded by John Lund in 2002. Added expertise in fast patrol and pilot boats, specialized cargo vessels, landing barges, floating plant and dredgers.
• John Lund Marine Design (JLMD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Integrated into Aurora Marine Design in 2014. Founded by John Lund in 1981. Part of the expanded design portfolio alongside CNA.
• Clubb Marine Design (CMD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Integrated into Aurora Marine Design in 2006. Founded by Ron Clubb with 55+ years professional experience and over 200 custom designed vessels. Brought expertise in landing barges, fishing vessels, charter boats, motoryachts and workboats.
• Byrne Bros P/LminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAwarded consultancy work for 48.5m Grab Dredger 'ARGYLL' including GAP analysis for survey compliance, modification drawings, stability test and documentation.
• Smithbridge Australia P/LminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerClient for Nambucca Bridge consultancy including modular barge stability with Manitowoc M16000 Crane including 172t heavy lift, barge deck strength modelling, and flood mooring anchor calculations.
• Harwood MarinecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerKey builder partner constructing vessels including 20m Catamaran Fishing Vessel and 20m Catamaran Trawler currently under construction. Located at Harwood Slipway in NSW.
• O'Brien BoatsregularImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBuilder partner for multiple sportsfisher designs including O'Brien 33, O'Brien 38, O'Brien 44, and O'Brien 47 models.
• Pacific TugminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerClient for 'Bribie' 65T articulating bow ramp design project for 76.2m flat top barge, with Harwood Marine as builder.
• Crystal Blue Yacht ChartersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClient for 23.9m (80') Superyacht Refit 'YOT Blue' including preliminary GAP analysis, modification drawings, and stability documentation.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Austal: Australian shipbuilder with in-house naval architecture for commercial and defence high-speed vessels. Competes for Australian government patrol and commercial ferry work alongside Aurora but as a much larger OEM with vertically integrated design and construction.
• Damen Shipyards: Global shipbuilding group with in-house design capability for a wide range of commercial, patrol, and landing vessels. Competes with Aurora at the design and supply stage of tugs, landing barges, patrol boats, and ferries, but at vastly greater scale and with its own shipyards.
• BMT Group: Global maritime engineering, design, and consultancy firm with deep naval architecture capability across commercial, defence, and offshore. Competes for the same large commercial and government vessel design briefs Aurora targets, but at significantly larger scale and broader service portfolio.

Direct peers

• Salt Ship Design: Norwegian ship design office delivering vessel design and engineering for offshore, fishing, and aquaculture segments. Comparable in providing concept, basic, and detailed design with class society approvals, though focused on Nordic markets.
• Incat Crowther: Specialist naval architecture firm designing passenger ferries, motor yachts, and commercial vessels globally. Closely comparable to Aurora in vessel categories served (passenger, patrol, yachts) and in offering complete design-to-delivery packages, but operates at meaningfully larger scale from Australia and the US.
• Glosten: US-based naval architecture and marine engineering firm serving commercial, government, and energy clients with vessel design and engineering services. Comparable in offering concept-through-delivery design for ferries, patrol, and specialised vessels.
• Robert Allan Ltd: Canadian naval architects focused on tugs, workboats, patrol vessels, and fast craft. Direct competitor in patrol/offshore, commercial fishing, and specialised cargo vessel design with similar full-service design offerings and international class-society experience.
• Knud E. Hansen: Danish naval architecture firm designing ferries, yachts, fishing vessels, and offshore vessels. Comparable in delivering full-service vessel design to international class societies, with similar multi-material and multi-segment coverage.
• One2three Naval Architects: Australian naval architecture consultancy providing vessel design, analysis, and project support. Direct regional peer with overlapping customer base (commercial, government, and recreational) and comparable service scope.

Emerging players

• Monaco Marine: Yacht refit, maintenance, and design services provider across the Mediterranean. Comparable in superyacht refit design work (similar to Aurora's 'YOT Blue' project), though more focused on refit execution than pure design consultancy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aurora-marine-design

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aurora Marine Design