Catalpa Marine is a newly established, Port Hedland-based marine surveying and consulting business.
Led by Sean Byrne, a qualified marine engineer and AMSA accredited marine surveyor, we provide practical, compliant solutions for vessel owners and operators across the Pilbara, Kimberley, Gascoyne, and Northern Territory.
All services are delivered under a documented Quality Management System that defines how work is planned, conducted, recorded, and reviewed to ensure consistent, professional outcomes.
Professional History
Sean brings over 20 years of experience as a marine engineer, with a career spanning a wide range of maritime sectors.
From a beginning as a trainee engineer on deep water trawlers in the North Atlantic, progressing through the ranks to chief engineer, and later working in coastal shipping, tug and barge operations, offshore oil and gas projects, and harbour towage — along with time spent as a technical superintendent — this varied background provides a strong foundation for delivering practical, experience-based support to vessel owners and operators across the commercial maritime sector.
He has overseen numerous dockings and maintenance projects, gaining extensive hands-on experience in vessel operations, repair, and compliance. His work has included countless annual and renewal surveys, active involvement in flag state inspections, and the management of On and Off Hire inspections.
He has also overseen vessel sales from both buyer and seller perspectives, as well as complex transitions involving flag and class changes — including shifts between foreign flag, RAV, and DCV classifications. This broad technical and regulatory experience ensures a practical understanding of both day-to-day operations and long-term vessel management.
This depth of experience positions Catalpa Marine to provide trusted, practical support across all areas of the commercial marine sector.