32 | WATERLINE September 2025 HORIZON GROUP EXPANSION IN TAIWAN INDUSTRY NEWS The Horizon Group has announced the completion of a new 160 metre Pearlson Shiplift System at Premier Shipyard, Port of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Two years in development and completed in June, the system has a lifting capacity of up to 1,800 metric tonnes and is designed to accommodate 70+ metre superyachts. Situated along 200 metres of waterfront, Premier Shipyard underwent a significant $15 million expansion completed in 2021 and covers 24,000 square metres of private yard space. John Lu, CEO Horizon Group said, “We are very excited about this latest upgrade with the new Pearlson Shiplift System, as it marks a significant step in the Horizon Group’s ongoing expansion. “The shiplift provides our shipyard with vastly increased capabilities and capacity, helping to fulfill unprecedented demand for global superyacht owners.” Fully customisable hardware to maximise your capabilities QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT FUND NEXT WAVE IN MARINE JOBS The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has announced a significant funding agreement with the Queensland Government to enhance the Marine Jobs program across the state. BIA CEO, Andrew Fielding said, “the funding agreement will enable Marine Jobs to accelerate in Queensland, home to the largest concentration of marine businesses in Australia.” “The marine industry is experiencing a huge demand for jobs and skills as evidenced by the number of marine occupations and apprenticeships on the national priority lists. The support from the State Government will allow us to connect more opportunities with key stakeholders in the marine sector, attend more events and to encourage more people, especially young people, to consider a career in Queensland’s marine industry,” Fielding said. A recent BIA National Jobs & Skills Annual Survey revealed 93 per cent of marine businesses are concerned about skilled labour with 85 per cent concerned about the shortage of apprentices and more than 45 per cent reporting a consequent loss of revenue. Fielding said Marine Jobs was a key strategic priority to support the marine industry through a coordinated program that includes engagement and advocacy to governments across the nation, marketing and promotions, events in Mackay, Townsville, Proserpine and Cairns, as well as stakeholder meetings in the Whitsundays Region.
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