Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) congratulates member Norman R. Wright & Sons on being awarded the contract to design and build the newest vessel in the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) fleet.
Announced by Fisheries Queensland, the purpose-built $11 million, 21 metre vessel and its 5.5 metre tender will be based in Far North Queensland waters, supporting extended offshore patrols focused on fisheries surveillance, inspections and compliance with marine safety rules and regulations.
The vessel will feature modern navigation and communications technology, improved manoeuvrability, a longer fuel range and enhanced onboard accommodation, allowing crews to undertake patrols of up to 10 days. Construction is expected to take 18 months at the Brisbane-based builder.
Norman R. Wright & Sons thanked DPI and QBFP for placing their trust in the business, saying the team is “truly excited to bring innovation to the 20m plus patrol class through our proven combination of highly capable and efficient XLW hullform, long-life corrosion free lightweight advanced composite structures, and efficient Volvo Penta IPS performance.”
The contract is a strong example of Australian commercial marine capability being chosen to deliver critical government vessels, keeping design, build and skilled jobs onshore. ACMG looks forward to following the project as it progresses through construction.
Image: Artist’s impression of the vessel, supplied by Norman R. Wright & Sons.
