ICOMIA podcast: Darren Vaux, ICOMIA’s president, on the evolving global marine sector
In the latest episode of the ICOMIA podcast Darren Vaux, president of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and chairman of Empire Marinas Group, shares critical insights into the evolving landscape of the global marine sector. With over a decade representing Australia within ICOMIA and nearing the end of his term as president, Vaux offers a unique perspective on the sector’s biggest shifts — and where it’s heading. The full series of podcasts is available on MIN.
At the heart of ICOMIA’s mission lies a powerful belief: global challenges require global solutions. As Vaux explains, the organisation’s strength comes from its ability to bring together national marine trade associations from around the world. Whether tackling regulatory developments, technological shifts, or changes in consumer behaviour, ICOMIA serves as a framework for collaboration. “When people are facing the same challenges or exploring the same opportunities, it’s amazing what you can achieve,” says Vaux.
A major milestone in ICOMIA’s work is the Propelling Our Future project — a comprehensive initiative focused on decarbonisation and sustainable marine propulsion. Supported by stakeholders worldwide, it includes 45 full cradle-to-grave lifecycle assessments across various vessel types. “It’s not just about carbon,” Vaux notes, “it’s about materials, sources, recyclability, and ultimately empowering manufacturers to make informed, future-proof decisions.” The next phase aims to build a global Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool tailored to the marine industry.
Vaux also highlights the surge of innovation in regions like the Gulf and Southeast Asia. From Saudi Arabia’s coral reef restoration projects to the development of the Leisure Marine Association Middle East & North Africa, ICOMIA sees these markets as central to the industry’s global growth. “It’s about helping these industries learn from more mature markets and collaborate for better outcomes,” he says.
As ICOMIA looks to the future, its focus remains clear: connect, collaborate, and build a sustainable, prosperous marine industry for all.
