A UK startup developing foam-free marina floats is drawing industry attention ahead of the Marinas26 conference in Australia this May, after being shortlisted for an innovation showcase and appointing the former managing director of MDL Marinas to support its growth.

ReefFloat has been named by the Marina Industries Association (MIA) as one of five finalists for its Innovators & Start-Up Showcase. The company is also set to speak at the event, where it will present its approach to replacing expanded polystyrene (EPS) in pontoons and breakwaters.

EPS has been widely used for decades because it is lightweight and relatively low cost. Issues arise when the material enters the water, either gradually as protective layers wear down or during storms when pontoons are displaced.

The material breaks into small particles that can remain in the environment for years, are difficult to remove and are often mistaken for food by marine life such as fish, crabs and turtles.

Flooding in Brisbane has brought attention to the issue after tonnes of polystyrene debris from pontoons were swept away and spread across coastal waters and shorelines. The incident led to the term “white spill”, used to describe the visible accumulation of foam beads in affected areas.

ReefFloat uses a float system that replaces EPS with a low-density concrete core within a structural outer layer, which does not harm the marine environment and can be recycled at the end of its life, avoiding landfill.

Alongside its selection for Marinas26, ReefFloat has appointed Michael Glanville, former managing director of MDL Marinas, to support its next stage of growth. With 25 years in the marine sector, he will focus on expanding manufacturing and distribution in the UK and overseas.

He said: “I am delighted, therefore to tell you that I am working with Toby Budd and his team at ReefFloat. Reef Float’s are made using a unique concrete technology, creating pontoon docks, floats and walkways to be made available worldwide without using EPS foam - yes we are talking about lightweight, high-density concrete that floats.”

Marinas26 is a biennial conference organised by the MIA, taking place from 24-27 May 2026 on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Under the theme “Future Smart”, it will bring together marina owners, operators, designers, suppliers and government representatives to discuss technology, ageing infrastructure, market shifts and emerging risks.

Images courtesy of ScaffFloat & ReefFloat.