New high speed response vessel for NSW

SUPPORTING crews in fast, reliable emergency responses and port patrols in Sydney Harbour and Port Botany is the aim of a new 10-metre advanced marine response vessel.

The boat, designed and built under the craftsmanship of local master marine builders in Newcastle, has been unveiled by the Port Authority of New South Wales.

With twin 300-horsepower outboard engines and 870-litre fuel capacity, it is expected to 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 in recent months.

Port Authority acting group executive of assets Catherine Blaine said the new vessel showcased the quality of shipbuilding skills in Newcastle and Port Authority's focus on investing in maritime assets.

“Port Authority is proud that this build also supports regional jobs, apprenticeships and advanced manufacturing capability, strengthening NSW’s maritime sector,” Ms Blaine said.

“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.

“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 chief executive Darren Schuback said they were building world-class vessels in Newcastle, powered by skill, precision and pride.

“The Whiskey Project Group is proudly building advanced maritime manufacturing capability that showcases the depth of talent in our community,” he 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.

The new build includes:
• 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).