FY25 Corporate Governance Statement and Appendix 4G
2025 Corporate
Governance Statement
A Leading Australian Marine Solutions Provider
Bhagwan Marine Limited | ABN 81 009 154 349
BHAGWAN MARINE LIMITED
Bhagwan Marine is Australia’s leading ASX-listed marine solutions provider, delivering specialised services
across the offshore energy, subsea, ports and inshore and defence sectors.
Our expansion across core markets and high-growth segments — including decommissioning, offshore wind, and defence — positions Bhagwan
Marine to capitalise on significant opportunities and strengthen our leadership within the marine services market.
With substantial experience, a national footprint, a fleet of approximately 100 vessels, and record revenue of $283 million in FY25, we are focused on
sustainable, long-term earnings growth for shareholders.
Bhagwan Marine is a founder-led company with a strong culture of service delivery and operational excellence.
Investor Hub
Following its successful IPO in July 2024, Bhagwan Marine has continued to deliver strong operational and financial performance. Bhagwan Marine
remains focused on leveraging its market-leading position to build long-term earnings growth for shareholders, supported by a positive outlook across
its high-growth markets.
Bhagwan Marine’s Investor Hub platform provides shareholders, stakeholders, and potential investors with a central location to access recent
ASX announcements, company news, and other key updates. The Investor Hub platform also features videos, project insights, and industry news,
providing investors with opportunities to stay up to date and communicate with our leadership team.
We invite you to stay connected with our investment community at our Investor Hub at https://investors.bhagwanmarine.com/
2025 Annual Report
This document should be read in conjunction with our 2025 Annual Report, and the documents that make up the rest of our corporate
reporting are available on the Company’s website at www.bhagwanmarine.com
Corporate Governance Documents
Bhagwan has established a set of corporate governance policies and procedures that reflect its corporate governance framework and practices. Copies
of these documents are available on the Company’s website at https://www.bhagwanmarine.com/investors/corporate-governance/
BHAGWAN MARINE LIMITED | 2025 Corporate Governance Statement
Page 1
ABOUT THIS REPORT
This Corporate Governance Statement outlines the key aspects of the Company’s corporate governance framework that has been established
by the Board and its compliance with ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations
(4th Edition) (ASX Principles) for the period 26 July 2024 (being the date of the Company was admitted to the ASX) to 30 June 2025.
Compliance with the ASX Principles is not mandatory. The disclosure below sets out the extent to which the Company does comply with the
recommendation, as well as the explanation and commentary provided on the Company’s practices that differ from the ASX Principles.
The Board has approved this Corporate Governance Statement on 28 August 2025.
ASX Principles
Sections
Principle 1
Lay solid foundations for management and oversight
1, 2, 3
Principle 2
Structure the Board to be effective and add value
1, 2, 3
Principle 3
Instil a culture of acting lawfully, ethically and responsibly
5
Principle 4
Safeguard the integrity of corporate reports
4
Principle 5
Make timely and balanced disclosure
7
Principle 6
Respect the rights of security holders
7
Principle 7
Recognise and manage risk
3, 6
Principle 8
Remunerate fairly and responsibly
3, 5
1. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
The Board of Directors of Bhagwan Marine Limited (Bhagwan) is responsible for the corporate governance of Bhagwan. The Board guides
and monitors the business and affairs of Bhagwan on behalf of the shareholders by whom they are elected and to whom they are accountable.
The Company’s corporate governance framework plays a crucial role in enabling the Board and management to deliver on its strategy and
objectives. It provides the structure through which business objectives are set, performance is monitored, and risks are managed.
Since its listing on the ASX on 26 July 2024, the Board has established a set of corporate governance policies and procedures that reflect its
practices and are predominantly consistent with the ASX Principles, with any necessary adjustments made to account for the particular
circumstances of Bhagwan. The Board continues to build on its strong foundation of governance, continually improving its approach to
governance.
This Corporate Governance Statement should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2025 Annual Report. Further information about
the Company’s corporate governance practices and copies of key governance documents referred to in this document are available on the
Company’s website at https://investors.bhagwanmarine.com/corporate-governance
BHAGWAN MARINE LIMITED | 2025 Corporate Governance Statement
Page 2
2. OPERATION OF THE BOARD
2.1
Board of Directors
The names of the current Directors as at the date of this Statement, together with details of their term in office, independence status and
Board committee membership, are set out in the table below.
The Board comprise individuals with the appropriate skills, knowledge, and experience to develop and support the Company’s long-term
strategy, enable it to discharge its responsibilities effectively, add value, and facilitate efficient decision-making.
Details of each Director’s qualifications and experience are set out in the Company’s 2025 Annual Report.
Anthony Wooles
Loui Kannikoski
BEc, MBA (Finance), FAICD
Chairman and
Non-Executive Director and
Major shareholder (8%)
Founder, Managing
Director & CEO, and
Major Shareholder (41%)
Appointed 8 March 2012
Appointed 31 Oct 1985
Tracey Horton AO
Andrew Wackett
BEc (Hon), MBA, FAICD
BCom, FCPA, FFIN, GAICD
Independent
Non-Executive Director
Executive Director Finance
Appointed 1 May 2024
Appointed 5 June 2024
Role
Independent
Length of
Service
Anthony Wooles
Chairman and Non-Executive Chair
No
13 years
Tracey Horton
Independent Non-Executive Director
Yes
1 year
Andrew Wackett
Executive Director Finance
No
Loui Kannikoski
Founder, Managing Director & CEO
No
Name
Chair
Audit & Risk
Committee
Remuneration
Committee
1 year
-
-
40 Years
-
-
Board
Member
The Board comprises a balanced mix of Non-Executive Directors and Executive Directors, each with an independent voice. While it does not
reflect a majority of independent Non-Executive Directors, this structure has been deliberately maintained to ensure strategic alignment,
operational insight, and continuity of leadership. Importantly, the Board has determined that, due to the nature of the Company’s history,
development, strategic direction, and business model, it is in the best interests of the Company and its Shareholders to have a higher number
of Directors who have a close understanding of the Company's customers and its business. The Board considers that as the Company grows,
the Board will continue to review its composition, which may include the appointment of additional Independent Non-Executive Directors in
the future. Accordingly, the Board does not currently comprise a majority of independent Directors, as recommended by ASX Principle 2.4.
Further explanation on the independence of each Non-Executive Director is set out in sections 2.4 and 2.5 below.
While the Board presently includes gender diversity (with 75:25 gender representation), it acknowledges the value of diverse perspectives
in enhancing governance quality and stakeholder trust. Diversity remains a consideration in future appointments, and the Board is committed
to ongoing review of its composition in line with evolving societal expectations, regulatory developments, and organisational needs.
The Directors' Report in the Company's 2025 Annual Report details the number of Board meetings held during the reporting period and the
Directors’ attendance.
BHAGWAN MARINE LIMITED | 2025 Corporate Governance Statement
Page 3
2.2
The Role of the Board
The Board is accountable to shareholders for the Company's
overall strategy, governance, and performance.
The Board has a charter that outlines its authority, responsibilities,
membership, and governance framework. The charter also
describes matters expressly reserved for the Board and those
delegated to management.
The Board's primary role is to provide strategic guidance and
leadership to the Company, guide and monitor its management,
oversee the business's performance, and track progress on
strategy, while promoting a culture that supports its values.
The Board strives to deliver sustainable value to its shareholders
while also considering the interests of other stakeholders. The
Board recognises its responsibility to act honestly, fairly, diligently,
and in accordance with the law, and to instil these values
throughout the organisation.
The Board has established a delegation of authority outlining the
matters reserved to the Board and those delegated to the
Managing Director, executives, managers, and employees.
The Board Charter is outlined on the Company’s website.
2.3
Board Structure and Composition
The Board is structured to comprise individuals with the
appropriate skills, knowledge, experience, and diversity to
develop and support the Company’s long-term strategy, enable it
to discharge its responsibilities effectively, add value, and facilitate
efficient decision-making.
The Board determines its size and composition, subject to the
Company's Constitution.
The Board currently comprises four directors, consisting of two
Non-Executive Directors and two Executive Directors.
Each Director and their length of service are listed in the table in
section 2.1. Details of each Director’s appointment, qualifications,
experience, and special responsibilities are set out in the
Company’s FY25 Annual Report.
2.4
Director Independence
The Board assesses the independence of new Directors upon
appointment and annually.
The Board considers that the most relevant consideration for
determining the independence of a Directors is that the Director
is free of interest, position, association or relationship that might
influence, or reasonably be perceived to influence, in a material
respect their capacity to bring an independent judgement to bear
on issues before the Board and to act in the best interests of the
Company as a whole rather than those of an individual security
holder or other party.
In determining whether a Director is independent, the Board
(excluding the relevant Director) is guided by ASX Principle 2.4 on
Independence, as outlined in the Board Charter. However, the
Board recognises that independence is a matter of judgment and
BHAGWAN MARINE LIMITED | 2025 Corporate Governance Statement
therefore also takes a qualitative approach to assessing
materiality and independence on a case-by-case basis by
reference to the facts and each Director’s individual
circumstances.
During the reporting period, the Board reviewed the
independence of each Non-Executive Director. The following
Directors are not considered to be independent.
Anthony Wooles, who serves as Chair and Non-Executive Director,
is not considered independent because he has held the position of
Non-Executive Director for over 10 years. Additionally, he has a
material business relationship with the Company and holds a
substantial shareholding of 8.5% in Bhagwan. The Directors, other
than Anthony Wooles, consider him to be the most suitable
person to act as Chair of the Board, given his considerable industry
experience, expertise, and deep understanding of the Company’s
business.
Loui Kannikoski, who serves as the Managing Director & CEO, is
not considered independent due to his position as an executive,
as well as his substantial shareholding of 40.8% in Bhagwan.
Andrew Wackett, who serves as Executive Director of Finance, is
not considered independent due to his executive role, where he is
responsible for advising on significant financial and corporate
matters, as well as investor relations and mergers and
acquisitions. The Board’s intention is to have Andrew move from
his executive role to a Non-Executive Director role in the near
term.
2.5
The Role of the Chair
The Directors have elected Anthony Wooles as Chairman of the
Board. Anthony was appointed Chairman in 2012. As set out in
section 2.4, Anthony is not considered to be independent.
However, the Directors, other than Anthony Wooles, consider him
to be the most suitable person to act as Chair of the Board, given
his considerable industry experience, expertise, and deep
understanding of the Company’s business.
The Chair’s role includes leading the Board, facilitating and
encouraging constructive Board discussions, monitoring the
performance of the Board, its committees, and individual
directors, representing the Board to shareholders, and
maintaining regular dialogue and mentoring relationships with the
Managing Director, as well as other group executives.
2.6
Board Composition, Selection and Appointment of
Directors
The Board is responsible for reviewing its size and composition,
identifying individuals believed to be qualified to become Board
members, and making recommendations to shareholders on the
appointment of Directors.
Before the Board appoints a new Director or puts forward a
candidate for election, it undertakes appropriate checks, including
but not limited to reviewing the person’s character, experience,
education, criminal record, and bankruptcy history. Existing
Directors conduct interviews with potential candidates to ensure
there is an appropriate fit for the Company's strategic direction.
Page 4
2.7
Board Skills and Experience
The Board is committed to ensuring that its composition continues
to include Directors who bring an appropriate mix of skills,
experience, and expertise to Board decision-making. The Board
also aims to retain a balance between Directors with experience
and knowledge of the Company’s business and history, and new
Directors who bring an external perspective and different insights.
The Board considers that all Directors have the combined depth
and breadth of skills, diversity, and experience to carry out their
responsibilities in a publicly listed company and oversee the
Company's strategy and effective governance.
To the extent that any skills are not directly represented on the
Board, they are realised through executives and external advisors.
The Board has identified the skills and experience set out in the
Board Skills Matrix below as those required for the Board to
provide effective governance and direction for the Company. This
is reviewed on a regular basis in line with the strategic direction
and changes in the Board's composition.
The Board’s Skills Matrix guides the assessment of the skills and
experience of new and existing Directors and identifies any gaps
in the Board's collective expertise for the purpose of Board
succession planning.
Board Skills Matrix - advanced and proficient
No. of Directors
Skills/Competency
1
2
3
4
If no Director is due for re-election or election, then at least one of
the Directors (excluding the Managing Director) must retire at the
Company’s next annual general meeting and may stand for reelection.
The Board’s recommendation regarding the re-election of an
existing Director is not automatic and is contingent on their past
performance, contribution to the Company, and the current and
future needs of the Board and the Company.
Shareholders are provided with all material information in the
Company’s possession relevant to their decision as to whether to
elect or re-elect a Director.
2.9
Board Performance Review
The Chairman is responsible for developing and overseeing the
performance evaluation process for the Board, its committees,
and individual Directors.
The Board has adopted an evaluation process that includes
reviewing the effectiveness of the Board, its committees, and
individual Directors.
The Board’s annual evaluation can be facilitated internally or
externally. If done externally, the Board receives independent
information on its overall performance, effectiveness and
opportunities for improvement. Each Director also receives
individual feedback on their strengths and opportunities to make
enhanced contributions, including ongoing professional
development.
Corporate Governance, Risk &
Compliance
During the reporting period, the Board concluded that a
performance review of itself, its Committees, and the NonExecutive Directors was unnecessary. This decision was based on
the fact that the current Board had only recently been established
and the fact that Company became an ASX-listed entity in July
2024.
Marine Industry Experience
2.10 Appointment Documentation
Listed Company Experience
Upon appointment, each new Director receives a letter of
appointment that outlines the formal terms of their appointment.
Directors also receive a deed of indemnity, insurance, and access.
Leadership
Strategy
Health, Safety & Wellbeing
People & Culture
Environmental & Sustainability
Financial Acumen
Corporate Finance & Capital Market
Stakeholder Engagement & External
Affairs
2.8
Director Retirement, Re-Election, and Tenure
Any Director (excluding the Managing Director) who has been
appointed during the year must stand for election at the
Company’s next annual general meeting.
A Director (excluding the Managing Director) may not hold office
for more than three years from the date of their election or reelection without submitting for re-election at the Company’s
annual general meeting.
BHAGWAN MARINE LIMITED | 2025 Corporate Governance Statement
Executives are appointed under a written agreement that outlines
the terms of their appointment.
2.11 The Role of the Managing Director and the Executives
The Board delegates management of the Company’s affairs and
implementation of the corporate strategy and policy initiatives to
Loui Kannikoski, the Company’s Managing Director & CEO
(Managing Director).
Loui Kannikoski is the founder of Bhagwan and a major
shareholder in the Company. He is responsible for the Company's
day-to-day management, and his actions are guided by the
Company’s purpose and strategic objectives as approved by the
Board.
The Managing Director is supported in this function by delegating
authority to the appropriate executives for specific activities and
transactions. A formal Delegation of Authority Policy governs
these powers and authority, which is approved by the Board and
reviewed as required.
Page 5
Other executives, working under the Managing Director's
supervision, are responsible for executing strategic objectives in a
manner consistent with the Company’s values, commitments,
code of conduct, and risk appetite, as set by the Board. While each
executive leads specific functions, they collectively work to
achieve the Company's long-term strategy and purpose.
The Managing Director, along with executives, is responsible for
providing the Board and its Committees with accurate, timely, and
clear information on the Company’s performance and progress.
Meetings between the Managing Director, executives, and the
Board are encouraged, and they assist the Directors in carrying out
their duties and strengthening the working relationship and
organisational culture.
2.12 Managing Director and Executives’ Performance
The Managing Director, along with executives, has a written
agreement with the Company outlining their employment terms,
including remuneration and performance requirements.
The Board is responsible for monitoring management’s
performance and implementation of the Company’s strategy,
including conducting an annual performance review of the
Managing Director.
The performance of the Managing Director, as well as other
executives, is assessed annually under the Company’s
performance appraisal system and reviewed by the Chairman of
the Board.
During the reporting period, the Managing Director underwent a
performance review. Additionally, the Chair meets regularly with
the Managing Director to discuss matters relating to his
performance.
During the reporting period, a performance review was
undertaken with the executives reporting to the Managing
Director. Additionally, the Managing Director meets regularly with
his direct reports to discuss matters relating to their performance.
Further details, including the Managing Director’s and other
executives’ performance linkage to remuneration outcomes, are
contained in the Company’s Remuneration Report in the 2025
Annual Report.
2.13 Induction for New Directors
New Directors receive an induction that includes meetings with
the Board Chair, the Managing Director, the CFO, and other
executives to gain valuable insights into relevant operational and
corporate matters. This is followed up by additional meetings or
information that the new Director may request. The induction
program also includes visits to the state-based offices.
2.14 Continuing Education for Directors and Executives
All Directors are expected to maintain the knowledge and skills
required to discharge their obligations to the Company.
During the year, the Board visited the Company’s operations and
facilities in Brisbane and Victoria and Henderson in WA to gain
deeper insights and knowledge of the operations. The Board also
held a strategic workshop with the executives and regional
managers.
2.15 Conflicts of Interest & Related Party Transactions
Each Director has a continuing responsibility to determine
whether they have a potential, or actual, conflict of interest in
relation to any material matter which relates to the Company’s
business or their position as Director of the Company. Such
situations may arise from external associations, interests or
personal relationships.
As a founder-led company, and as outlined in the Company’s
Prospectus, there are several vessel leases and property leases
considered to be related party transactions. The Board reviews
and approves the renewal of vessel and property leases at each
meeting as they arise. Any Director who stands to gain financially
from these transactions is excluded from receiving the Board
papers and does not participate in or vote on the approval of the
lease renewals.
During the year, the Board adopted a procedure for addressing
conflicts of interest and related-party transactions. It requires that
each Director notify the Chair, the Board, or the Company
Secretary, either orally or in writing, immediately upon becoming
aware of an actual, perceived, or potential conflict of interest.
It also outlines the procedures for approving related-party
transactions that are deemed necessary, are on arm’s-length
terms, and are in the best interest of shareholders. The procedure
ensures that such transactions also comply with the ASX Listing
Rules and the Corporations Act requirements, as well as the
reporting requirements for such transactions to shareholders.
2.16 Directors' Right to Independent Advice
To help Directors fulfil their responsibilities, each Director has the
right, with the prior approval of the Chair, to seek independent
professional advice, at the Company’s expense, about his or her
responsibilities. In addition, the Board and each Board Committee
may, at the Company’s expense and with the prior approval of the
Chair, obtain any independent professional advice it requires to
assist in its work.
2.17 The Role of Company Secretary
The Board is responsible for appointing the Company Secretary.
The Company Secretary is directly accountable to the Board,
through the Chair, on all matters regarding the proper functioning
of the Board and its Committees. All Directors have access to the
Company Secretary.
The Board has appointed two Company Secretaries. The profile,
qualifications and experience of the Company Secretaries are set
out in the Company’s 2025 Annual Report.
Internal and external experts are engaged, as required, to conduct
briefing sessions on various topics relevant to the Board’s
governance of the Company.
BHAGWAN MARINE LIMITED | 2025 Corporate Governance Statement
Page 6
3. BOARD COMMITTEES
3.1
Board Committee Structure
The Board has established two standing Committees to assist in the discharge of its responsibilities. Periodically, the Board will review the
composition of each Board Committee. As and when required, the Board may establish special-purpose sub-committees to give detailed
consideration to specific matters or projects. An overview of the members, composition and role of each Board Committee, as of the date of
this report, are set out below:
Committee Members
Composition
Role of the Committee
Audit and Risk Committee
Tracey Horton - Committee Chair,
and Independent Non-Executive
Director)
Anthony Wooles - Non-Executive
Director
Only Non-Executive Directors
The Board appoints one of its
members, other than the Chair of the
Board to serve as the Committee
Chair.
The Committee Chair is an
Independent Non-Executive Director.
All members have a good
understanding of financial reporting
and risk management across a broad
range of industries
•
•
•
•
•
Oversight of financial reporting
Review of the external audit
Oversight of material risks
Review of Risk Management System
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the financial
control environment
Independence and Experience of Committee Chair - The Committee Chair, Tracey Horton (Qualifications: BEc (hon), MBA, FAICD), is a
Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and holds a Bachelor of Economics (Hons) from The University of Western
Australia as well as an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. The other Committee member is Anthony Wooles, who is a
Fellow of the AICD and holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of the University of
Pennsylvania.
ASX Principles 4.1(A) and 7.1(A) - Recommend that an Audit Committee and a Risk Committee comprise at least three Non-Executive
Directors, with a majority being independent. The Company does not currently meet these recommendations. However, the Board
believes that the composition of the Board’s Audit & Risk Committee is appropriate at this time. It also expects that the number of
independent Directors will increase in the future as the Company grows and new Directors are appointed.
Remuneration Committee
Anthony Wooles - Committee Chair
and Non-Executive Director
Tracey Horton - Independent NonExecutive Director
Only Non-Executive Directors
The Board appoints one of its
members to serve as the Committee
Chair
Delegated approval on executive
remuneration matters
No executive participates in decisions
on their own remuneration.
•
•
•
•
Overseeing the effectiveness of remuneration
strategies
Review of remuneration arrangements for the
Managing Director and other executives
Review of remuneration arrangement for
Non-Executive Directors
recommend to the Board for approval, the
Annual Remuneration Report
ASX Principles 8.1(A) - Recommends that the Board establish a Remuneration Committee and that it be chaired by an independent
Director and that a majority of the Committee comprises a majority of whom are independent Directors. The Company does not currently
meet this recommendation. However, the Board believes that the composition of the Board’s Remuneration Committee is appropriate at
this time. It also expects that the number of independent Directors will increase in the future as the Company grows and new Directors
are appointed.
ASX Principles 2.1(A) - Recommends that the Board establish a Nominations Committee, chaired by an independent Director, comprising
at least three Non-Executive Directors, with a majority being independent. The Company does not currently meet this recommendation.
During preparations for the Company’s admission to the Official List of the ASX, the Board evaluated its structure and governance
framework and concluded that a separate Nomination Committee was unnecessary given the size of the Board at this time. Accordingly,
the Board has assumed all responsibilities that a Nomination Committee would ordinarily undertake. The Board will periodically reassess
this decision as its membership grows and governance evolves.
BHAGWAN MARINE LIMITED | 2025 Corporate Governance Statement
Page 7
The Directors' Report in the Company's 2025 Annual Report details
the number of Committee meetings held during the reporting
period and the attendance of each Committee member.
The relevant qualifications and experience of Board Committee
members are set out in the Directors’ Report in the Company’s
2025 Annual Report.
Each Committee may, within the scope of its responsibilities, have
unrestricted access to management, employees, and information
it considers relevant to carrying out its responsibilities under its
charter.
Each Committee may request the attendance of any external party
at meetings as appropriate.
The Managing Director, along with certain other executives, are
invited to attend Committee meetings. However, their presence is
not automatic, and they do not attend if their remuneration is
being considered or discussed.
The minutes of each Committee meeting are tabled at Board
meetings, and the Committee Chair reports relevant matters of
the Committee to the Board at its next meeting.
3.2
Committee Membership and Responsibilities
•
oversight of information security and cyber security posture;
•
oversight of the Code of Conduct and Speak-up Policy; and
•
oversight of reporting related to tax, climate change, and
modern slavery.
The Audit and Risk Committee regularly meets with the external
auditor without management present. The Chair of the Audit and
Risk Committee separately and regularly meets with the external
auditor and management.
The CFO is the executive responsib
Share your feedback
Discover