One of the company’s liquidators, Simon Cathro from Deloitte, said he had received “a number of expressions of interest” from individuals and organisations interested in purchasing the company’s assets.

The strong level of interest has raised hopes the company may be able to continue operations in some shape or form under different ownership, and re-employ many of the former staff members who lost their jobs.

“Obviously the best outcome for all would be to sell the business as a going concern, and we will follow through on all these enquiries,” Mr Cathro said.

Shoalhaven City Council Economic Development Manager Greg Pullen said there was hope the local operations at South Nowra could be salvaged because, “There’s work in progress, there are orders on the books.”

Mr Pullen added other boat builders in the region were looking for staff and may be able to offer employment to some of the 70 workers affected.

The submission period for expressions of interest in the company closed last Friday and Mr Cathro said any last minute offers would also be considered, provided they were lodged with his company promptly.

Operations at Azzura Marine’s other two facilities in Newcastle and the Gold Coast were continuing, but Mr Cathro said a “complete options assessment” was being conducted.

Internationally recognised for building premium quality yachts, Azzura Marine built more than 200 vessels across its three Australia-based facilities in the 15 years since it was established.

However the global financial crisis took its toll on the company’s operations.

“The company has experienced a decrease in demand for yachts over the last six to 12 months, declining from a peak of seven new build orders in 2008 to no new build orders in the space of one year,” Mr Cathro said.

The Nowra yard’s closure came about because, “Azzura Marine does not currently have the financial resources to maintain three ship building facilities,” Mr Cathro said.