New Zealand’s strongest showing yet
Metstrade 2025 returns as the world’s largest marine equipment trade show, and the New Zealand presence feels sharper and more connected than ever. Spread across Hall 2 and the Superyacht Pavilion, Kiwi companies are demonstrating how New Zealand’s marine industry has grown into a full ecosystem of design, engineering, coatings, propulsion and onboard technology.
Visitors moving through the Construction Materials Zone, the Foiling Technology Zone or the Superyacht Pavilion keep crossing paths with products shaped by New Zealand thinking. The topics that define Metstrade this year, such as sustainable composites, electrification, hybrid systems and smarter navigation, are the same areas where Kiwi companies already excel.
Electrification finds real traction
Electrification is one of the clearest threads running through the New Zealand story. ZeroJet sits at the front of this shift with its lightweight electric jet systems that offer instant torque and enough punch to challenge small petrol engines. Their approach feeds neatly into the hybrid space, where HikoTerra’s modular electrical racks reduce the need for generators and make installation far easier for boatbuilders and refit yards.
This move toward cleaner power also carries into amphibious craft. Tectrax shows how electric drive can offer safer and more responsive movement between land and water. In comparison to older mechanical systems, these electric platforms bring far less noise and maintenance, and they react immediately when the operator needs control.
Driving into the blue: how Tectrax is redefining amphibious boating and now amphibious trailers
The combined message is hard to ignore. Electrification is no longer experimental. It is now practical, modular and ready for wider use.
Composite expertise shaping new directions
New Zealand’s deep experience in composite engineering continues to stand out at Metstrade. C-Tech’s precision carbon structures highlight the benefits of lightweight, high-strength components, and their work aligns neatly with the Construction Materials Zone’s focus on sustainable, high-performance materials. That mindset flows through to Pure Design & Engineering, where detailed structural modelling supports everything from high-speed foilers to large custom superyachts.
Further along the same line, Southern Spars reinforces New Zealand’s global reputation in advanced carbon fibre. Their mast and spar packages remain the benchmark for strength, stiffness and weight control, and their presence at the show complements the work of both C-Tech and Pure Design by tying component engineering into complete rig systems.
Alongside this high-end design work, TruDesign shows how composite thinking works at the component level. Their corrosion-free fittings and valves sit comfortably alongside the more complex structures on display, and they remind visitors how much reliability can be gained from the right material choices.
Durable coatings and hull protection
Coatings and hull protection continue to be a core part of New Zealand’s contribution. Propspeed remains one of the most trusted names in foul-release technology for running gear. Its real strength lies in consistent long-term performance, which sets it apart from many alternatives still common in international markets.
Propspeed® enters expanded markets with debut of new Foulfree™ Multi-Surface System
That focus on durability feeds through to HullWell, which works across composite, alloy and timber hulls, and into Resene, whose finishes draw from years of America’s Cup development. Each of these companies offers a slightly different solution, yet all of them focus on longevity and predictable performance.
Hardware and systems that make life easier
New Zealand’s practical approach to hardware is visible throughout the show. Manson Anchors brings nearly 50 years of trusted anchoring solutions, and their range forms a natural companion to the heavier composite and metalwork companies nearby. Pleasure craft owners through to superyacht captains rely on Manson’s anchors to hold fast in difficult conditions, and that reputation blends seamlessly with the Kiwi focus on safety and reliability.
That same attitude is found in maXtek Marine’s hydraulic steering systems, built for high-horsepower outboard setups common in Kiwi waters. Pacific Aerials follows that theme with individually tuned antennas offering dependable communication offshore.
On the deck hardware side, Cule Marine continues to show how locally built hatches can match major international brands. Balex Marine’s automatic launch and retrieval system then flows into the everyday user experience, making life easier for trailer-boat owners and operators of floating docks.
Amphibious capability also features strongly in this part of the hall. Anura’s modular amphibious systems provide manufacturers with a flexible, production-friendly alternative for bringing wheels-down mobility to a range of craft. When viewed alongside the electric amphibious drive from TecTrax, Anura’s mechanical platform broadens the Kiwi offering by giving builders multiple pathways into amphibious design.
Superyacht capability strengthened by smart technology
The Superyacht Pavilion again highlights New Zealand’s breadth of capability. Orams Marine anchors the discussion around refit and yard expertise, which connects naturally to high-end equipment suppliers. C-Quip delivers precision composite and alloy deck gear for boarding, tender handling and deck operations, while VMG Clothing provides crew wear built for long days on deck.
Sailmaking also plays a key role. Doyle Sails brings its well-known approach to engineering, shape control and large-yacht sail handling into conversations with designers and captains, especially those focused on performance superyachts. North Sails, meanwhile, extends the discussion into advanced cloth technologies and high-performance materials, giving project managers and sail designers two strong Kiwi-linked viewpoints on how the next generation of large-yacht sails should be built.
Navigation and data systems deepen that same story. WASSP’s multibeam sonar remains one of the most capable mapping tools on display, offering real-time seabed and structure data that traditional single-beam units cannot match. That push toward smarter decision-making continues with Fenton Innovation’s AI-driven vessel intelligence and ATTEST’s integrated electrical control systems, both of which strengthen New Zealand’s reputation for high-end marine technology.
Together, these companies show that Kiwi capability in the superyacht sphere covers everything from rigs and sails to refit, deck gear, navigation, software and smart data.
A cohesive Kiwi presence woven through the show
What stands out at Metstrade 2025 is how the New Zealand presence connects across sectors. Electrification links to hybrid power. Composite structures link to precision hardware. Coatings link to refit capability and long-term vessel care. Navigation ties into AI-driven systems that help crews understand what is happening beneath the hull. And now, with anchors, sails, spars and amphibious systems included, the picture becomes even more complete.
This is not a scattered collection of exporters. It is a coordinated group of marine specialists whose work complements one another. At the world’s largest marine equipment show, that cohesion sends a clear message.
New Zealand may sit far from Europe, but at Metstrade 2025 it feels close to the centre of the global conversation.
Further information contact: NZ Marine Industry Association
