The latest Queensland Water Police patrol vessel will be unveiled tomorrow at Rivergate Marina and Shipyard for extensive sea trials and testing ahead of its official launch and dedication ceremony to be held at Queensland Water Police, Lytton, Thursday 19 May.
The new 24m high-speed, aluminium catamaran is the largest single build carried out by Rivergate for the Queensland Water Police and will be dedicated to a police officer killed in the line of duty.
Construction began in August 2015, at Rivergate on the Brisbane River at Murarrie and took approximately 31,000 man hours to complete.
This purpose-designed and task-specific Water Police vessel, posed some unique challenges and through the joint efforts of Rivergate, Principal Contractor, Aus Ships and the Queensland Water Police, the vessel was delivered on time and on budget, to the highest international standards.
Andrew Cannon, General Manager of Rivergate, said the twin hulled vessel was designed and built to be exceptionally stable, seaworthy and safe.
“It can travel up to 200 nautical miles off the coast at a top speed of 25 knots. Compared to monohull vessels, a catamaran offers extraordinary volume to accommodate specialised equipment and up to nine people for extended missions. Rivergate was exceptionally proud to undertake this next addition to the fleet.”
Due to the success of the newly constructed patrol vessel, coupled with successful previous refits for the Water Police, Andrew Cannon is confident the Queensland Water Police will continue to utilise Rivergate for their future maintenance needs.
“The Queensland Police Service and Rivergate collaborated seamlessly to meet tight deadlines, ensure budgets were adhered to and at the same time maintain quality workmanship to produce a great outcome,’’ he said.
“Rivergate’s high end Superyacht refit capabilities have been applied to the build of the Queensland Water Police patrol vessel, making it the ultimate commercial vessel in its class.
“Our relationship with the Queensland Police Service continues to grow and Rivergate is looking forward to further developing this alliance on future projects.”
A Queensland Water Police spokesman said: “We are looking forward to the official launch and dedication of this specialised Water Police Vessel.
“Naming these vessels after police officers who lose their lives in carrying out their duties is a long-standing tradition that inspires those who work onboard and reminds the community of the importance of their work.”
In addition to the Queensland Water Police project, Rivergate is Australasia’s leading Superyacht refit facility, providing a turnkey service to the Superyacht industry. The ever-increasing skill capabilities available at Rivergate, are of benefit to both the Commercial and Superyacht sectors.
Steven Fisher is the Rivergate International Manager for comment and details about tomorrow’s activities. Tel: 0421 588 814.
For further information visit the Rivergate Marina and Shipyard website http://rivergate.com.au
