Port Authority of NSW has unveiled a new 10-metre state-of-the-art marine response vessel that has been designed and constructed under the craftsmanship of local master marine builders in Newcastle.
When completed, the new vessel will join Port Authority’s Sydney Harbour and Port Botany response teams and, with twin 300-horsepower outboard engines and 870-litre fuel capacity, it will be ready to support crews in fast, reliable emergency response and patrol duties around port waters.
More than twenty local specialist shipbuilders and maritime experts have been working closely with the Port Authority team to deliver this vessel over the past several months.
“The new vessel showcases the quality of shipbuilding skills in Newcastle and Port Authority’s focus on investing in maritime assets to support frontline maritime operations,” Port Authority of NSW Acting Group Executive of Assets Catherine Blaine said. “Port Authority is proud that this build also supports regional jobs, apprenticeships and advanced manufacturing capability, strengthening NSW’s maritime sector and demonstrating the value of retaining world-class skills in regional communities.”
“Our people have played a key role in the design and customisation of this vessel, ensuring it reflects the practical requirements, safety focus, and innovation that define Port Authority’s operations.
“Once construction and on water testing is complete, the vessel will travel to Sydney to join Port Authority’s operational fleet supporting our crews to undertake important work including navigation aid maintenance, pollution response, general patrols and response to a wide range of reporting or identified maritime issues and incidents.”
The Whiskey Project Group is building the world-class vessels in Newcastle, powered by the skill, precision and pride of their local workforce.
“Every new NAiAD vessel represents real investment in high-skilled jobs, hands-on opportunities for apprentices and long-term careers in the maritime industry,” The Whiskey Project Group CEO Darren Schuback said. “We’re proud to be part of Newcastle’s manufacturing story and by backing local people, growing capability, we’re helping to secure Newcastle as one of Australia’s key manufacturing heartlands.”
Port Authority owns a fleet of vessels that carry out critical roles to ensure safe and efficient operations across the State’s ports, including pilot vessels, response vessels, and multipurpose vessels with marine pollution and firefighting capabilities.
While its core purpose remains consistent with existing response vessels, the new build delivers enhanced performance, improved safety features and updated technology:
- A reinforced, marine-grade aluminium hull and level-flotation foam to maximise stability, buoyancy and safety at speed.
- A collar system and high-performance suspension seating further reduce impact in rough conditions.
- Integrated navigation and communications suite that delivers real-time situational awareness.
- Twin high-performance engines that deliver speeds of up to 42 knots (approximately 77 kms per hour).
