Strategic Marine Group Expands

The Australian maritime consultancy, Strategic Marine Group (SMG), has expanded and enhanced its team with the addition of two new full-time directors, Sandy Galbraith and Chris McGuire. 

They join existing directors Peter Bremner, Roger Lowe and Steve Randall.  The company, which was established seven years ago, has offices in four states - Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania.   

SMG specializes in commercial marine advice and has long established business relationships with blue chip industry clients, ports, shipping interests, defense and other government departments and agencies. Major works undertaken by the company to date have included multimillion dollar vessel sales and acquisitions, maritime business valuations, support to major overseas logistics supply chains, long-term strategic port planning and the provision of management support in high-value marine projects.  

The arrival of Galbraith and McGuire adds further strength and diversity to the independent marine consultancy. Galbraith has been a maritime consultant since 2008 and has worked on a number of projects for prominent clients in Australasia and the Pacific Rim. He is a former deep-sea deck officer and a previous editor of Lloyd’s List DCN. He was awarded the Company of Master Mariners’ Outstanding Achievement Award in 2007.  

He has in recent years been active in Australian coastal shipping reform, worked on port and terminal developments in several states and undertaken a lengthy study on the impacts of port privatization on the eastern seaboard for a government department. He also led a team of marine and environmental specialists on a major review of New Zealand’s marine oil spill capability.  

McGuire’s maritime career commenced as a deck officer, gaining a broad range of experience in many shipping sectors up to senior management level. This practical experience has been utilized ashore where he has worked for the Australian Antarctic Division, Bernhard Schulte Ship Management and Port Philip Sea Pilots. He specializes in ship operations and management, polar logistics, bulk materials handling (port and vessel), training and maritime auditing. 

SMG management believes the expansion of the organization is particularly appropriate at this point in time. The decision to expand the consultancy business was based on the view that the industry faces a multitude of challenges. By having a team combining diverse maritime industry skills, senior management and strategic experience, SMG sees itself well positioned to support and add value for clients in a fast changing operating environment.