The Port Authority of New South Wales (PANSW) in Australia has unveiled a new 10-metre marine response vessel supplied by the Whiskey Project Group.
When completed, the new rigid inflatable boat (RIB) will join PANSW's Sydney Harbour and Port Botany response teams and. With twin outboard engines that deliver speeds of up to 42 knots and an 870-litre fuel capacity, she will support crews in fast, reliable emergency response and patrol duties around port waters.
The port authority said it has been working closely with more than 20 local specialist shipbuilders and maritime experts over the past several months to facilitate the delivery of the vessel.
Once construction and on-water testing are complete, the RIB will travel to Sydney to join PANSW's operational fleet, supporting crews in undertaking work including navigation aid maintenance, pollution response, general patrols and response to a wide range of reporting or identified maritime issues and incidents.
The boat features 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 to further reduce impact in rough conditions; and an integrated navigation and communications suite that delivers real-time situational awareness.
Design work in the RIB was provided by New Zealand-based Naiad design, a company under the Whiskey Project Group.