OCEAN FORCE are a solution-focussed marine hardware supply specialist with over 40 years experience and vast knowledge and expertise.
Based in Cairns’ marine precinct, OCEAN FORCE are one of Northern Australia’s longest standing marine hardware suppliers.
As well as stockists of marine hardware, we offer services such as rope splicing, swaging, electronic asset management and equipment testing and certification to our core offering and have proven experience in all of these areas.
We are capable of offering solutions to any marine based hardware problem no matter how complex – anything a vessel needs, we are able to assist, source and supply. We have the industry connections to ensure your needs are met efficiently, on time and on budget.
Any equipment supplied by OCEAN FORCE can come tested and certified, ensuring maximum safety and compliance.
Due to our local storage facilities, OCEAN FORCE can offer a shorter supply chain and quicker delivery times to Far North Queensland-based vessels.
Theresa’s profound connection to the maritime world began with her upbringing on the deck of prawn trawlers in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The beneficiary of two prior generations of marine knowledge and experience, her unique upbringing has imbued her with invaluable hands-on experience and timeless wisdom passed down through her seafaring heritage.
Back on land, Theresa uses her irreplaceable hands-on experience to transcend conventional education and offer indispensable insight and resources. Complementing her extensive knowledge with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Science with a focus in hydrodynamics, Theresa boasts a lifetime of nurturing relationships with global suppliers and industry specialists.
Consultation and advisory on complex and intricate maritime projects are Theresa’s specialty as well as fleet management and remote vessel support. Her ability to seamlessly integrate tradition with modern insight and a thorough understanding of requirements of life at sea make Theresa an irreplaceable asset to any marine-based organisation.
Sarah’s previous experience as a physiotherapist turned Allied Health manager brings a proven track record of optimising services and delivering exceptional outcomes. As Ocean Force’s Business Development Manager and Opportunity Navigator, Sarah’s primary focus is to establish partnerships within the marine hardware supply sector.
Sarah’s extensive background in management and leadership roles has enabled her to develop a unique blend of skills including team management, adapting to complex environments and implementing strategic solutions.
Sarah’s strategic thinking and passion for her work make her an excellent partner in driving innovation and efficiency in marine hardware solutions. With a Masters degree in Management, Sarah is committed to providing excellence both internally at Ocean Force and for our clients and partners.
Meet Tom Hogben, our accomplished General Manager with an impressive 16 years of dedicated leadership. Tom's expertise and strategic vision have been instrumental in driving our success in the maritime industry. Under his guidance, our team consistently delivers top-notch service, maintaining high standards and staying ahead of industry trends. Committed to innovation and collaboration, Tom embodies our values, ensuring our organisation remains a leader in the maritime industry. Tom’s dedication to developing lasting customer relationships, fostering a client-centric approach truly sets us apart in the industry.
Meet Jodi Sharpe, our experienced Sales and Purchasing Manager, bringing eight years of invaluable expertise to our operations. Jodi has played a pivotal role in the success of our organisation, demonstrating exceptional skills in building and managing a robust network of suppliers. With a keen understanding of the ships chandlery sector, Jodi ensures seamless coordination between sales and procurement, contributing to the efficiency and success of our operations. Her dedication to fostering strong supplier relationships has streamlined our supply chain and enhanced our ability to provide excellent service to our clients.
Meet Jenny Gangell, our seasoned Accounts professional, who brings an impressive 14 years of dedicated experience to our team. As a key pillar of our financial operations, Jenny has played a crucial role in maintaining the fiscal health of our organisation. Her expertise in accounts management within the specialised context of ships chandlery has been invaluable, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in financial processes. With a decade-plus of contributions, Jenny Gangell exemplifies our commitment to excellence and precision in the dynamic world of ships chandlery.
The maritime tale of OCEAN FORCE is one of typical Australian grit, determination and spirit.
Born into a family steeped in fishing tradition, founder and true pioneer Les Lowe inherited a remarkable skill for crafting prawn nets from his father and this led Les to be one of the first to embark on prawn trawling off the remote north western Australian coast in the 60s.
Les Lowe met Rose, a travelling barmaid from a fishing family in Rockhampton, and in 1982 they made the decision to move their family to Karumba, QLD, and so began the laying of foundations that would create Gulf Net Mending Pty Ltd, and eventually, OCEAN FORCE.
Expertise in net craftsmanship and extensive experience in sustaining vessels in remote locations swiftly earned them a reputation as reliable partners to fishing fleets across the Gulf of Carpentaria – but this was just the beginning.
As their reputation for net design and fabrication grew, so did opportunities to offer more than just skilled net services. Demand was growing for a variety of marine chandlery items that were vital to operations, and in response to this burgeoning demand GNM Chandlery came to be.
At the same time, the family continued to invest in prawn trawling in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and their own fleet grew to six vessels.
In 1991 Les and Rose recognised an opportunity to expand and attract more customers and moved to Cairns, Far North Queensland, establishing a footprint in what has now become the Cairns Marine Precinct.
As Les and Rose withdrew from active management of the business, their daughter Theresa stepped into the role of Managing Director, keeping the family owned and operated ethos of the company alive. Much like her parents, Theresa was born into a family steeped in marine tradition.
A significant expansion, renovation and refit of the retail outlet took place in 2011 and along with that came a rebrand to The Deckstore, offering an extensive selection of marine supplies and chandlery items to cater not only to the fishing industry but to all marine operators. The Deckstore, a testament to their deep knowledge of all things marine, remains Australian and family-owned. They continue to proudly carry the legacy of their founders.
Alongside The Deckstore, OCEAN FORCE was created to cater for larger commercial entities and to offer streamlined access to a variety of marine services including hardware supply, consultancy, and other areas of specialist expertise. OCEAN FORCE and The Deckstore exist as two distinct arms of the same organisation, with The Deckstore encompassing their retail services and online store, and OCEAN FORCE focussed on their corporate and commercial partners.
Today, their journey persists, fuelled by the same passion and dedication that ignited it all. Their maritime heritage has instilled in them a deep knowledge and experience in all aspects of marine supply, and their commitment to excellence remains unwavering. They extend their heartfelt gratitude for being a part of their story, and they eagerly anticipate serving you for many more years to come, as an Australian, family-owned company, with a rich maritime history.
OCEAN FORCE is owned and operated by the Lowe family, and headed by Managing Director Theresa Lowe.
Although we specialise in marine hardware supply, our expertise is often used in other industries and sectors. We’re happy to consult on any project – if in doubt, contact us.
The Deckstore is ideal for anyone who is servicing a single ship or a fleet of small boats and knows exactly what they are looking to order – you can visit the store or order online.
If your needs are more complex, require consultancy or one of our specialist services, it is best to contact OCEAN FORCE directly.
We have a large stockholding and storage capacity to ensure that we can service Far North Queensland-based vessels quickly. When you use OCEAN FORCE, you are cutting out large wait times due to freight.
Our management of our own prawn trawling fleet and history of remote vessel support makes us the best choice for partnering with your business for supply of marine hardware.
On top of all that, we love a challenge. Tell us what you need and when you need it by – we’ll show you it can be done.
