Marine Air Flow International

What Marine Air Flow International does

Marine Air Flow International (MAFI) is an Australian private company, founded in 2004 by Brad Marsden in Cairns and relocated to its current owned factory in Miami, Gold Coast, Queensland in 2014. The company designs and manufactures custom engine room ventilation systems for marine vessels, operating across three product pillars: air intake grilles (a proprietary mist-eliminator design using extruded aluminium vanes and centrifugal physics with no moving parts), air dampers (stainless steel, A-60 fire-rated and man-access variants certified to USCG, SOLAS, Lloyds Register, DNV-GL, ABS, MED and Transport Canada), and a fan range spanning AC/DC high-volume, compact, axial, inline blower and mixed-flow units. Its proprietary Air-On-Demand variable speed drive controller automates fan speed based on engine room temperature, providing an integrated control layer across the hardware portfolio.

MAFI serves three customer segments: private boat owners (retrofit and replacement), commercial and government vessel operators (fishing, ferry, pilot, coast guard, police, military), and boat builders/shipyards as an OEM supplier. Named OEM accounts include Riviera (standard-fit on yachts above 38m), Penguin Shipyards Singapore, Birdon Marine, Dongara Marine, Hart Marine, North Sea Boats and Sirena Marine, alongside government customers such as Australian Border Force and NSW Police. Revenue is one-time per project based on custom design from a vessel information questionnaire, with payment terms of 50% deposit before production and 50% balance prior to dispatch; export invoices in USD and domestic in AUD. Distribution is direct from the Gold Coast factory to customers in 35+ countries, with no third-party agents.

The company is privately held by founders Brad and Jenny Marsden, operates cashflow positive with no external funding, has a team of approximately 20 staff, and has delivered more than 4,000 projects across 1,200+ clients globally. It is ISO 9001 certified, JOSCAR-AU accredited for defence contracting, and is recognised as the 2024 Australian Export Awards National Winner (Small Business) and 2025 AIMEX Exporter of the Year.

Name

Marine Air Flow International

Legal name

Marine Air Flow International

Website

https://marineairflow.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Marine Air Flow International is an Australian family-owned manufacturer of custom marine engine room ventilation systems — air intake grilles, fire-rated dampers, fans and variable speed controllers — sold direct to boat owners, shipyards and government/military customers in 35+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Engine Room Ventilation Equipment

NAICS

Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification Equipment Manufacturing (333413), Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (333415), Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512)

SIC

Industrial & Commercial Fans & Blowers & Air Purifing Equip (3564), Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine HVAC, Refrigeration & Ventilation Systems (IMAJAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Interior, HVAC & Accommodation Refurbishment (IMAJAFAI)

Keywords

• Marine engine room ventilation
• Marine air intake grilles
• Marine fire dampers
• Marine axial fans
• Marine ventilation equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Miami

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Custom Engine Room Ventilation Systems: Marine Air Flow designs and manufactures fully custom engine room ventilation systems per vessel. Revenue is project-based (one-time per project), derived from a combination of components: air intake grilles, fans, dampers, diverters, and controls. No ongoing subscription. Domestic invoices in AUD; export invoices in USD. Payment terms: 50% deposit before production, 50% balance prior to dispatch.
2. Replacement Parts & Accessories: Replacement components for existing installations, including activation kits for dampers (manual and automatic), fan speed controllers, finger guards, air diverters, and coalescing filter fabric. Sold as standalone one-time purchases to both existing clients and new customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Marine Air Flow International designs, manufactures, and supplies custom engine room ventilation systems for marine vessels of all sizes and operating conditions. Its product portfolio centres on a proprietary mist eliminator air intake grille, fire-rated air dampers (stainless steel and A-60 certified), a full range of marine fans (AC/DC high volume, compact, axial, inline blower, mixed flow), and an in-house Air-On-Demand variable speed drive controller. Every system is custom designed per vessel via a questionnaire process and supported with CAD drawings, complete installation kits, and global direct delivery.

Product overview

Marine Air Flow International is an Australian manufacturer specializing in comprehensive engine room ventilation systems for marine vessels. The product portfolio centers on a modular system architecture where customers can combine core components including Air Intake Grilles (mist eliminator grilles), various Air Dampers (stainless steel, A60 certified, and man access types), and multiple Fan types (AC/DC High Volume, Compact, Axial, Inline Blower, and Mixed Flow). The system is controlled by their proprietary Air-On-Demand variable speed drive controllers that automatically adjust fan speed based on engine room temperature. Accessories include Directional Air Diverters for airflow targeting and Finger Guards for personnel safety. Products are available as individual components or complete turnkey ventilation packages custom-designed for each vessel.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Air Intake Grilles (Mist Eliminator Grilles) Custom-engineered marine air intake grilles that remove salt mist and spray from air entering engine rooms using an extruded aluminium vane system. No moving parts, no fabric filters; optional coalescing fabric filter inserts for extreme conditions. Single stage handles 250 L/min water over 1m² at 5.9 m/s max face velocity; two stage handles up to 9 m/s. Grilles start from $1,200–$1,500 AUD + GST; average recreational quote $2,000–$3,000 + GST.
• Stainless Steel Air Dampers Fire-rated stainless steel air dampers (fire flaps) for marine engine room fire control. Available in 11 stock sizes; spring-loaded louvre dampers meeting NSCV and USL codes. Can be manually or automatically triggered via 24V DC actuators. Prices range from $1,390 to $2,990 + GST depending on size.
• A60 Air Dampers Code-certified stainless steel fire dampers meeting USCG, SOLAS, Lloyds Register, DNV-GL, ABS, MED, and Transport Canada standards. Automatic fail-safe actuators trigger at 74°C to prevent oxygen supply during fires. Available in custom sizes for A-0, A-15, A-30, and A-60 class requirements. Always quoted in USD, starting at $2,550 (230x230x210) up to $3,675 (850x850x210).
• Man Access Dampers Drop-flap air dampers designed to allow personnel access through air ducts while maintaining fire protection. Constructed from 3mm #316 stainless steel with electro-polished finish, suitable for AMSA and A-60 ratings. 600x600 opening: $2,850 + GST; manual activation kit +$225; auto activation kit +$930.
• AC High Volume Fans Axial fans for high-pressure marine engine room ventilation. Available in 4 standard sizes (340mm to 768mm diameter) with 0.75Kw to 4Kw motors, moving up to 6200 litres/sec. Marinised sealed motors and aluminium housings. Prices range from $2,340 USD (340 series 0.75Kw) to $4,980 USD (540 series 4.0Kw).
• DC High Volume Fans 24V DC high volume axial fans for vessels with DC power systems. Three footprint sizes (390mm to 590mm) moving 750 to 3410 litres/sec. Brushless sealed marinised motors with built-in Air-On-Demand control system.
• DC Compact Fans Space-efficient slimline DC axial fans for tight engine room locations. Available in 9", 12", and 16" sizes with 12V or 24V options. IP68 rated with fibre-reinforced plastic housings and synthetic impellers. Pricing: 9 inch $320 + GST; 12 inch $640 + GST; 16 inch $720 + GST.
• AC Axial Compact Fans Compact 240V AC fans for space-constrained applications. Single 15-inch size with 397mm footprint, IP44 rated, delivering 400-450 litres/sec at 50Hz or 60Hz operation.
• DC Inline Blower Fans Centrifugal inline blower fans for void spaces, battery compartments, and chain lockers. Self-contained units available in 3" and 4" sizes with 12V or 24V options. ISO 9097 Marine compliant with low current draw and quiet operation.
• Mixed Flow Fans Compact mixed flow fans for smaller spaces like toilets and battery cabinets. Sizes range from 100mm to 315mm diameter with high/low speed settings, suitable for pushing or pulling air through ducting.
• Directional Air Diverters Adjustable air diverters that mount to fan discharge outlets to redirect airflow to specific engine room areas. Available for high volume fans (340mm to 768mm diameter) and compact fans (12"). High Vol diverters: $750–$950 + GST; Compact diverters (12"): $375 + GST.
• Finger Guards Safety guards manufactured from 5083 grade aluminium to protect crew from fan and damper hazards. Available in square or round shapes to fit high volume fans (340mm to 850mm) and compact fans (9" and 12"). High Vol guards $300–$410 + GST; Compact guards $240–$290 + GST.
• Air-On-Demand System (Fan Speed Controllers) In-house developed variable speed drive control system for automated or manual fan speed control. Available in Analogue (ACS) or Digital Red Lion (RLDCS) versions for AC (240V or 3Phase) and DC systems. Controls fans based on engine room temperature with preset idle speed (40%) ramping to full speed at 30–40°C. Includes fault lights and bench testing prior to installation.
• Roof Mounted Fresh Air Intakes Roof-mounted ventilation intake systems for fresh air supply to vessel engine rooms.
• Small Boat Grille System Compact combination ventilation systems designed for smaller vessels, integrating intake grille, damper, and fan in a unified package.
• Void Ventilation Systems Ventilation systems designed for void compartments and non-engine room spaces requiring air circulation.
• Upflow Air Grilles Intake grilles designed for upflow air applications in marine engine rooms.
• Custom Engine Room Ventilation Systems Fully custom engine room ventilation systems designed per vessel, combining air intake grilles, fans, dampers, diverters, and Air-On-Demand controls. Project-based one-time pricing (50% deposit before production, 50% balance prior to dispatch). Domestic invoices in AUD; export invoices in USD. Lead time 10–14 days for smaller projects; 4–6 weeks for larger projects.
• Replacement Parts & Accessories Replacement components for existing installations, including activation kits for dampers (manual and automatic), fan speed controllers, finger guards, air diverters, and coalescing filter fabric. Sold as standalone one-time purchases to both existing clients and new customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Engine room temperatures reduced from 55°C to 35–38°C on Nordhaven 43 (Murrifin vessel) — a ~36% reduction — enabling max RPM improvement from 2,470 to 2,550 rpm.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RivieracoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMAFI is the standard engine room ventilation equipment supplier for all Riviera vessels over 38m. This is a flagship OEM relationship where MAFI systems are designed into Riviera new builds as standard equipment.
• Penguin Shipyards SingaporecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSupplied engine room ventilation equipment for multiple NSW Police vessels built by Penguin Marine Singapore. Ongoing relationship for commercial vessel builds.
• Dongara MarinecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerDongara Marine builds pilot boats (e.g., Svitzer) and commercial vessels with MAFI engine room ventilation as standard. Multiple completed projects across different vessel types.
• Birdon MarinecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerBuilt NSW Port Authority fire boats with MAFI air intake grilles, dampers and fans. Active OEM relationship for government vessel builds.
• Norman R Wright & SonscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerNorman Wright & Sons Marine designed the Siabo pilot boat for Papua New Guinea with a full MAFI engine room ventilation system. Ongoing new build relationship.
• North Sea Boats (PT Lundin)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerIndonesian shipyard building military vessels (X18 Tank Boat, FAC Trimiran patrol boats) with full MAFI engine room ventilation systems. Significant defence-related project portfolio.
• Hart MarinecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHart Marine built pilot boats for UAE with MAFI ventilation equipment. Active relationship for new export vessel builds.
• Sirena Marine (Türkiye)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerTurkish luxury mid-size boat manufacturer with MAFI engine room systems specified for their exported vessels. Represents MAFI's presence in the European luxury boat market.
• Wight Shipyard (UK)minorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerUK shipyard delivered tourism boats to Malta with MAFI engine room ventilation systems. Visited in 2017; boats delivered in 2020.
• Harwood MarineminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerBuilt Marine Rescue NSW RIB with MAFI engine room ventilation system.
• JOSCAR (Leidos/Hellios)coreOthersMAFI achieved JOSCAR-AU accreditation (Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register), used by Military and Government organisations in Australia for defence contractor compliance. Registered through Hellios/Leidos portal.
• Commercial Marine Australia / Wildcat MarineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaval architecture collaboration on the Ocean Explorer project (Hamilton Island tourism vessel) which won a Baird Maritime award. MAFI supplied ventilation equipment as part of the integrated solution.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Bruntons Propellers (Ventilation & HVAC): Bruntons is a UK marine equipment manufacturer known for propellers but also active in engine room ventilation and HVAC solutions. Comparable to MAFI in serving UK/EU shipyards with class-certified systems and a custom-engineering approach.
• Henden Hydraulik: Henden is a Norwegian supplier of marine engine room ventilation fans and dampers to commercial and offshore vessels. Comparable to MAFI in product scope and class-certification depth, with strong presence in the Nordic/offshore market.

Broad incumbents

• FläktGroup Marine: FläktGroup is an established European air technology manufacturer with a marine and offshore vertical selling fans, air handling, and ventilation systems. It overlaps with MAFI in fans and air-handling, though at a larger scale and broader HVAC portfolio.
• Dometic Marine: Dometic is a large incumbent supplier of marine air conditioning, ventilation, and onboard climate systems with global distribution. While heavier on air conditioning than engine room ventilation, it competes for the same marine OEM dollar and channels.

Direct peers

• Heinen & Hopman: Heinen & Hopman is a Dutch specialist in marine HVAC, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for naval, commercial, and superyacht vessels. It competes most directly with MAFI in engine room ventilation and air handling for in-survey vessels, with overlapping class certifications (Lloyds, DNV, ABS).
• Webasto Marine: Webasto is a German supplier of marine HVAC, heating, and ventilation systems serving OEMs, refit yards, and end customers globally. Like MAFI, it sells into both new-build and retrofit markets, although with a broader product portfolio and larger global footprint.
• Delta 'T' Systems: Delta 'T' Systems manufactures marine HVAC, ventilation, and engine room cooling equipment for commercial and recreational vessels. It is a direct competitor in fans, dampers, and ducting for marine engine rooms, particularly in the US market.
• JOWA USA: JOWA is a specialist in marine air conditioning, ventilation, and bilge pumping systems for commercial and government vessels. Its overlap with MAFI includes engine room ventilation and dampers for class-certified vessels.
• Condaria: Condaria is a UK-based marine HVAC and refrigeration manufacturer serving commercial, naval, and offshore vessels. It competes with MAFI on engine room cooling and air handling, with overlapping class certifications and a direct-sales model similar to MAFI's.

Emerging players

• Veco Engineering: Veco is a smaller specialist in marine HVAC and ventilation systems, often serving as a regional or niche alternative to larger incumbents. Comparable to MAFI in custom-engineered marine air handling for in-survey vessels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/marineairflow
• Facebookfacebook.com/MarineAirFlowInternational
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/marine-air-flow-international

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 Marine Air Flow International