Ciltech sets industry benchmark with innovative aluminium extrusions in marine infrastructure

Western Australian manufacturer Ciltech has rapidly established itself as a leader in designing and producing jetties, pontoons, and other marine infrastructure. The company's unwavering commitment to excellence and its use of high-quality materials, such as its proprietary aluminium extrusions, have set it apart in a highly competitive market.

Ciltech's success is deeply rooted in its Western Australian heritage, where it consistently delivers innovative products that redefine industry standards. A vital element of this success is the company's strong collaboration with Capral, which has led to the development of its proprietary aluminium extrusions. These extrusions, which form the backbone of its state-of-the-art jetty systems, are integral to 98 per cent of the pontoons produced by Ciltech.

Mason Cilia, Managing Director of Ciltech, said, "Ciltech started as a small, family-run business in Western Australia, and over the years, we've grown into a key player in the marine infrastructure industry. Our journey has been driven by a commitment to quality and innovation."

Each extrusion is meticulously engineered to meet various environments' unique structural and functional demands. From supporting the weight of decking to integrating mooring attachments and cleats, Ciltech's tailored aluminium extrusions provide versatile and robust solutions that ensure the reliability and longevity of its marine infrastructure systems.

Ciltech continues to set new benchmarks in the marine infrastructure industry by pushing the boundaries of what is possible with aluminium, solidifying its position as a leader in innovation and quality.

Ciltech's innovative approach to marine infrastructure is best exemplified by two remarkable projects: the Hillarys and Fremantle pontoons. In Hillarys, Ciltech engineered an expansive pontoon system by seamlessly integrating five separate pontoons into a cohesive structure, complete with a utility shed. In Fremantle, a similar feat was achieved with a complex pontoon system featuring comparable amenities, showcasing Ciltech's expertise in designing multi-pontoon configurations that meet the stringent demands of large-scale maritime operations. These projects highlight Ciltech's advanced engineering capabilities and demonstrate their commitment to delivering robust, customised solutions for diverse marine environments.

A key element of Ciltech's engineering excellence is its unique approach to constructing larger, more intricate pontoon structures by bolting multiple pontoons together. This innovation is particularly evident in the Fremantle amenities pontoon, where six pontoons were combined to create a massive floating structure. The ability to develop such large-scale systems underscores Ciltech's unwavering dedication to pushing the limits of what is possible in marine infrastructure, reassuring the audience about the company's commitment to excellence.

With its excellent corrosion resistance, aluminium has proven to be an ideal material for marine applications—a fact that Ciltech has capitalised on.

"Aluminium is sort of a perfect fit for our industry," Mason notes, emphasising the material's durability and lightweight properties perfectly suited for Ciltech's pontoons and jetty systems.

Ciltech's commitment to sustainability is a cornerstone of its operations, which is evident in its choice of materials and engineering practices. The use of aluminium in its pontoon and jetty systems not only ensures durability and corrosion resistance but also aligns with its environmental ethos. Aluminium is 100% recyclable, reducing the environmental footprint of its projects.

"We focus on using materials that are not only durable but also environmentally responsible. Aluminium is 100 per cent recyclable, which is key to reducing our environmental impact", adds Mason.

By prioritising sustainable materials, Ciltech ensures its infrastructure is both long-lasting and environmentally responsible, adhering to its vision of delivering high-quality, eco-friendly marine solutions.

Since early 2022, Ciltech's partnership with Capral has been instrumental in its continued success. This collaboration was driven by Ciltech's need for a supplier that could provide exceptional service and top-tier products. "Our partnership with Capral has been crucial—they provide us with top-quality aluminium extrusions that meet our specific needs and support our commitment to quality," Mason explains, highlighting the partnership's dual pillars.

Capral has consistently delivered on both fronts, becoming a key supplier of Ciltech's specialised aluminium extrusions.

Ciltech has shown keen interest in Capral's innovative LocAl® Super Green product as part of its sustainability strategy. This unique aluminium offers a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to standard aluminium, aligning perfectly with Ciltech's environmentally conscious projects. By integrating LocAl® Super Green into their pontoon and jetty systems, Ciltech enhances their structures' durability and performance and actively contributes to reducing the overall environmental impact.

Looking to the future, Ciltech's ambitions extend beyond Western Australia. The company aims to expand its reach nationwide, focusing on becoming a key supplier and distributor of high-quality jetty systems across Australia. Mason expresses optimism about this expansion, stating,

"We love what we do, and our passion for creating innovative marine infrastructure drives us to keep pushing the boundaries."