NSW Maritime’s fleet will be bolstered with the new vessel, currently under construction. Photo: Transport for NSW.
Maritime safety in NSW is set to receive a boost with a $7.6 million investment to build a new response vessel, which will operate under the name “Thunderbird”.
The state-of-the-art vessel will be 21 metres long and fitted with high technology to aid in emergency response efforts.
The State Government said the first-of-its-kind vessel would be built on the North Coast using regional expertise, materials and suppliers.
This investment boosts the government’s ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies, natural disasters and rescues on the water. The government said Thunderbird would increase the reach and flexibility of NSW Maritime services when responding to emergencies, extending the range of rescue crews across thousands of kilometres of oceans.
“While it will be based at Rozelle, this vessel will be able to rapidly deploy throughout our waterways,” NSW Maritime executive director Mark Hutchings said.
”From Botany Bay to the border communities on the Tweed and Eden. From Lake Macquarie to the Hawkesbury, up the Clarence and as far as Lord Howe Island.”
The government said Thunderbird would also work to perform non-emergency tasks such as tackling marine pollution, supporting disaster recovery and coordinating safety operations.
Additionally, it will work as a “floating command centre” that can be deployed at any time across NSW’s open waters.
When the vessel is fully equipped, its full complement will include:
- Drone-launching capabilities
- Thermal imaging and satellite communications
- Accommodation for eight crew members for longer missions
- Two jet skis and a 5.4 m tender for shallow or congested waterways
- Pollution response gear
- Live-streaming technology linking to the State Marine Incident Coordination Centre (SMICC) at Rozelle and Coffs Harbour.
The vessel is under construction in Yamba. Yamba Welding and Engineering is leading the build and Harwood Marine is providing the hull, supporting skilled jobs in NSW and increasing the state’s manufacturing capability.
Completion and delivery of the vehicle are expected in early 2027. When Thunderbird is not in operation, it will be housed at the SMICC in Rozelle.
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said: “The Minns Labor Government is delivering the technology, jobs and emergency response capability needed to protect our coastline and support communities across all parts of NSW.”
