Australia’s future emergency towage and emergency response vessel, Reef Responder, has officially been floated and moved alongside for the next stage of fit-out and commissioning. This marks an important step in strengthening Australia’s maritime emergency response capability.
Once operational, Reef Responder, will play a key role in how AMSA responds to maritime casualties, pollution events and other high-risk incidents across the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait.
With greater power, speed and advanced response systems, the vessel will help protect these sensitive marine environments and keep waterways safer for all operators, including those in the domestic commercial vessel sector.
The name, Reef Responder, reflects the vessel’s role in emergency response and reef protection and was chosen in a public vote last year.
Stay tuned for more updates as Reef Responder prepares to enter service later this year.
More on the new vessel build
Since 2006, AMSA have provided an emergency towing vessel in the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef to protect the marine environment.
This vessel is tasked with:
- responding to stricken ships
- responding to pollution from shipping
- assisting in maritime search and rescue operations.
Reef Keeper replaces Coral Knight, new-build coming soon
On 1 July 2024 Reef Keeper entered into service following the retirement of Coral Knight. Smit Lamnalco, a world leader in marine towage and support services, operates Reef Keeper on our behalf. Reef Keeper will be in service for 2 years. In 2026, it will be replaced by a dedicated new-build vessel.
Both Reef Keeper and the new-build vessel will be well equipped to respond to maritime casualties involving bigger and heavier merchant ships that are transiting our waters. This addresses concerns for the many people who live, work, and play in these precious waters which are also important economic trade routes for Australia and the world.
About the new-build vessel
Hybrid propulsion system
The new-build vessel will be more fuel efficient than its predecessor, the Coral Knight, with a hybrid propulsion system that allows the power generation system to be optimised for the desired operational profile and speed.
Reduced emissions
Consideration has also been given in the design stage for the use of methanol as an alternative future fuel source which aligns with the global push to reduce emissions and decarbonise shipping.
Other features
The new-build vessel will have:
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- more deck space for aids to navigation (AtoN) work
- a higher performing workboat
- an all-terrain vehicle for AtoN work on land
- a more accurate and fuel-efficient dynamic positioning system than the current capability.
The improved dynamic positioning system is advantageous for placement of buoys where positioning is critical for navigational safety.
A preview of the new emergency towing vessel being designed and built by naval architects Robert Allan. This vessel is scheduled to take over from Reef Keeper in 2026.
For more information, visit www.amsa.gov.au
