On August 1 2025 the Minns Government announced it is supercharging maritime safety with a $7.6 million investment to build a state-of-the-art response vessel.
The 21-metre high-tech super vessel is the first of its kind commissioned by NSW Maritime and will be built in regional NSW using local expertise, materials and suppliers.
The Government stated the investment marks a major step forward in how the state prepares for and responds to emergencies, rescues and natural disasters.
The new vessel will boost the reach, flexibility and range of NSW Maritime services, giving crews access to thousands of kilometres of ocean, including as far as Lord Howe Island.
Dubbed the maritime ‘thunderbird’, the vessel will serve as a floating command centre, capable of deploying anywhere, anytime across NSW’s vast coastal and open water network.
From tackling marine pollution and supporting disaster recovery, to coordinating safety operations during major events, the vessel will transform on-water operations.
When complete, the vessel will be fully equipped with:
- Thermal imaging and satellite communication
- Drone launching capability
- Two jet skis and a 5.4-metre tender for shallow or congested areas
- Accommodation for eight crew for extended missions
- Live-streaming tech linking directly to the State Marine Incident Coordination Centre (SMICC) at Rozelle and Coffs Harbour for real-time emergency coordination
- Cutting-edge pollution response gear – ensuring it's first on scene when oil spills or marine threats endanger our beaches, sea life and pristine waterways
Construction is already underway near Yamba, with local firm Yamba Welding and Engineering leading the build and Harwood Marine supplying the hull – supporting skilled jobs and boosting advanced manufacturing capability in Northern NSW.
Yamba Welding and Engineering has forged a reputation as one of Australia’s most trusted partners to law enforcement and maritime organisations, and in the past decade YWE has built over 200 vessels for Australian Federal and State Government agencies including the Australian Defence Force, Australian Border Force and Marine Rescue.
Founded in 1974 by Bill Collingburn in Yamba, YWE commenced building fishing boats in a garage. YWE’s subsequent development of the Pro Punt® was successful with oyster farmers and later with NSW & QLD SES, and then significant growth occurred in 2003 with the acquisition of Queensland Ships, building a range of recreational and commercial vessels with the registered trademark designs of Ocean Cylinder® and Pacific SportFish®. In the four decades since YWE has become synonymous with high-performance aluminium vessels.
Harwood Marine, operating on the Clarence River in Northern New South Wales, state they ''deliver customer boat designs and ships that deliver on business and operational goals''.
Their original Harwood Slipway and Engineering Company constructed the first Slipway at their current site in 1969. Harwood Marine has been operating under its current structure since 1983.
Both YWE and HM have long been passionate about developing skilled trades for the marine and engineering industries in Regional Australia.
Delivery of the vessel is expected in early 2027 and when not on a mission, the boat will be based at the SMICC in Rozelle.
The Government stated 'this investment reinforces the Minns Government’s commitment to protecting the environment, backing regional industry and manufacturing and building safer, more resilient communities'.
No construction drawings or in progress photos were provided, however, an Artists Impression drawings is:
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison stated:
“This isn’t just a boat, it’s a floating command centre.
“Not only will this state-of-the-art vessel enhance our response to marine incidents and natural disasters, but it also showcases the talent of our North Coast marine industry.
“It’s the first time NSW Maritime has commissioned a vessel of this kind. It will be fitted with pollution response gear, thermal imaging, satellite communications, drone launching capability, and accommodation for eight crew, enabling long-range missions.
“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.”
Minister for Recovery and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:
“I am pleased to see the North Coast leading the way in innovation in how NSW recovers from disasters.
“It provides real peace of mind for communities up and down the Coast, knowing there is additional help close at hand.
“It is good to be part of a government that is committed to delivering this marine vessel, which is part of our response to disasters and making communities more resilient.”
NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said:
“This is a game-changer for maritime response in NSW.
“It shows how far NSW Maritime has come, and where we’re going.
“While it will be based at Rozelle, this vessel will be able to rapidly deploy throughout our waterways 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.
“Whether it's an oil spill in our shipping corridors, a flood emergency up the Clarence River or maritime safety on Sydney Harbour during New Year’s Eve, this vessel can do it all. It’s fast, flexible and built specifically for our waters.”