About Us
Founder Max Brandenberger began his maritime career in 1990 with an apprenticeship at NQEA in Cairns. After several years working in diesel fitting and heavy equipment, Max returned to the marine industry to specialise in line boring and precision engineering. Growing up on boats and around the Cairns waterfront sparked a lifelong passion for marine craftsmanship, one that continues to drive Morning Star Marine today.
Over the years, Max has continued to refine his skills and expand his services, focusing on the areas he knows make the biggest difference to vessel performance; propulsion, ride control, and steering. By reintroducing line boring to the local industry, he filled a gap in capability that had long been missing in Cairns, helping government and commercial operators maintain efficiency and reduce costly downtime.
He also developed an innovative method for repairing corrosion on aluminium components like rudder tubes and roll fin housings, restoring them to OEM standard instead of replacing them entirely. Combined with advanced propeller repair and maintenance, using specialised scanning and pressing equipment not found anywhere else north of Brisbane. These services ensure vessels run smoothly, efficiently, and safely.
Today, Morning Star Marine works closely with other local operators and fleet managers to strengthen the Cairns marine precinct, keeping vital maintenance and repair work in Far North Queensland and supporting the continued growth of the region’s maritime industry.
THE Team
With decades of hands-on marine engineering experience, we deliver precision work, honest service, and reliable results for every vessel.
MaX
owner and senior marine technician
luis
apprentice marine technician
Ready to Get Your Vessel Back to Peak Performance?
Talk to the team at Morning Star Marine about your next service or repair. We’ll help you find the right solution.