On the Gold Coast, tucked away in Miami, Marine Airflow International has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading specialists in marine engine room ventilation.
For more than two decades, the company has designed and manufactured custom systems that keep vessels of every size operating safely and efficiently. From private yachts to ferries, fishing trawlers and defence vessels, Marine Airflow has become the trusted partner for reliable, high-performance solutions — and at the heart of their story is a long-standing relationship with Capral Aluminium.
The company’s product range spans air intake grills, dampers, and both high-volume and compact fans, all designed and manufactured in-house. With ISO 9001 certification, every component undergoes rigorous testing before leaving the factory. That commitment to quality and innovation has powered remarkable growth — more than 5,000 completed projects, with half of all products now exported globally. After first entering international markets in 2017, Marine Airflow has achieved a 50/50 domestic-to-export split, with strong demand from Southeast Asia, Turkey, and North America.
Director and founder Brad Marsden remembers the early days vividly. “We converted a walk-in cool room into a wind tunnel to test airflow,” he recalls. “We learned so much in that year. Today, after thousands of projects, we’re confident our product is among the best in the world. We even offer a three-year global warranty and a 110% money-back guarantee on performance.”
At the centre of that success story is aluminium — and the enduring partnership with Capral. “Aluminium is lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant, which is critical in a marine environment,” says Marsden. “Capral has been with us since the start in 2005. Their product is top quality, their service is reliable, and their team is extremely knowledgeable. Whether it’s designing proprietary sections with us or responding to a call within minutes, they’ve always supported us.”
That collaboration deepened recently when Marine Airflow transitioned to Capral’s LocAl® lower-carbon aluminium, produced using alternative energy sources. “LocAl® might cost a little more, but for us and our clients — particularly in the superyacht sector — it’s worth it,” Marsden explains. “Customers are increasingly asking for green passports that show where materials are sourced and how sustainable they are. Being able to say our products are manufactured from lower-carbon aluminium supplied by Capral is a huge advantage.”
Sustainability runs through every aspect of Marine Airflow’s operation. Its Gold Coast facility is powered by solar energy and designed for efficiency, while packaging is made from custom-manufactured biodegradable cardboard. From materials to manufacturing processes, the business is built around a commitment to reducing its footprint and supporting local supply chains.
That dedication has earned the trust of leading boatbuilders, including Riviera, one of the most respected names in luxury yacht manufacturing. “Riviera came to us many years ago with an overheating issue,” Marsden says. “We offered them a system free of charge — if it worked, they’d use us for their next models. It did, and since then every new Riviera vessel integrates our systems. We supply them almost weekly.”
It’s a story of steady growth, local craftsmanship, and international recognition. In 2024, Marine Airflow’s achievements were honoured with the Queensland Export Award and later the National Export Award, acknowledging the company’s role as a leader in Australian manufacturing.
For Marsden, the partnership with Capral remains central to their success. “We believe strongly in supporting Australian industry, and Capral has been right there with us. They’ve helped us innovate, stay competitive, and take our products to the world.”
As Marine Airflow celebrates its 20-year anniversary, the future looks bright. With expansion plans underway and continued investment in its people and facilities, the business remains firmly anchored to its founding principles — world-class performance, local partnerships, and Australian-made excellence.