Construction has started on a new $11 million fisheries patrol vessel intended to strengthen compliance operations across North Queensland's remote coastal waters.
The project includes a 21-metre purpose-built vessel and a 5.4-metre tender for the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol. The vessels will support surveillance and inspections along the northern coastline, Torres Strait and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Queensland officials say the larger vessel will have improved stability, manoeuvrability, navigation and communications equipment, along with enough range and onboard accommodation for patrols lasting up to 10 days.
Brisbane boat builder Norman R. Wright & Sons has been awarded the construction contract. The government says the vessel will help fisheries officers address illegal fishing, marine-safety compliance and multi-agency enforcement in remote environments.
Source: Queensland Government.
Image disclosure: This is an AI-generated conceptual editorial illustration. It does not show the commissioned vessel, its crew or a real patrol operation.
