Newman Reef navigation aid refurbishment to enhance safety in Torres Strait

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has completed a major $1.2 million refurbishment of the remote Newman Reef aid to navigation (AtoN), located north-east of Thursday Island (Waiben) in the Torres Strait.

The extensive project, which commenced in November 2023, included crucial updates aimed to improve navigation safety in the region:

• removal of the existing platform, fenders and ladder access
• fabrication and installation of a new large diameter pile, fenders, ladder access and stainless steel platform
• installation of solar power supply and AtoN equipment, stainless steel enclosures and lightning protection system

This refurbishment will enhance shipping safely through the waters of the Torres Strait and is part of the ongoing program of major works delivered by AMSA around Australia, ensuring navigation aids are fit-for-purpose and modernised.

This refurbishment was carried out using a 33-metre utility vessel, a 50-metre construction barge, and an 80-tonne crane, with the barge and crane manoeuvred alongside the AtoN by two smaller craft.

More information about AMSA’s AtoN maintenance program can be found here: Maintenance delivery on aids to navigation (AtoN) (amsa.gov.au)