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Posted by Dale Crisp
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8 January, 2026
WESTERN AUSTRALIA’s Bhagwan Marine has christened its newest vessel, a 38-metre stern landing vessel designed for modern offshore energy, subsea and decommissioning operations, that takes the total fleet to more than 100 craft of various types.
Named Bhagwan Mikah after the late Micah Kirk, described as a much-loved and former member of the company’s Melbourne team, Bhagwan says this maintains a maritime tradition of naming a vessel in honour of an individual that carries enduring significance.
“It is said the name accompanies the vessel on every voyage and watches over those who sail aboard her,” the company stated.
“Through this tradition, Micah’s name, contribution and legacy will continue with Bhagwan Micah throughout her service life.”
Bhagwan says unlike a traditional landing craft, as the name suggests a SLV operates from the stern providing safer, more efficient sea going capabilities and cargo deliveries; improved manoeuvrability in shallow, remote or constrained areas; greater efficiency and turnaround times; and low carbon intensity.
It says the vessel was designed from the ground up for the exacting requirements of modern offshore energy and subsea operations—particularly oil & gas decommissioning with the ability to work in shallow water environments, subsea IMR and defence logistics projects.
“This latest addition to our fleet marks another milestone in the company’s strategic growth as Australia’s leading provider of integrated marine solutions.
“The vessel is secured under a five-year bareboat charter from BM Fleet, for long-term control of a scarce, high-spec asset while maintaining capital flexibility for further fleet renewal.
“We look forward to Bhagwan Micah joining our operations and supporting the safe, reliable and efficient marine services our clients depend on.”
The construction of Bhagwan Micah (at one stage known as Phoenix) has been rather protracted: the bare hull arrived at Townsville on 7 February 2022 from Batam, Indonesia on Hall Contracting’s barge Hall 2 behind tug ASL Scorpio, which tandem towed Hall 1 with the hulls of what are now the SeaLink Moreton Bay ferries Island Venture and Island Odyssey.
All three hulls were subsequently taken to Harwood Marine (now part of the Polaris Marine Group) on the Clarence River in northern NSW for completion.
Bhagwan Micah arrived at The Yard, Brisbane, 7 May 2025 behind Harwood tug Fury for final fit-out.
