Rivergate refit ensures smooth return to water for Fisheries Queensland vessels

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries flagship vessel has returned to the water to perform vital compliance duties after undergoing an extensive refit at Rivergate Marina and Shipyard.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries flagship vessel has returned to the water to perform vital compliance duties after undergoing an extensive refit at Rivergate Marina and Shipyard.

As part of a contract awarded by the Queensland Government, onsite contractors at Rivergate have completed a half-life refit on KI Ross - the largest vessel in the Queensland Boating and Fisheries patrol fleet.

Led by Rivergate Project Manager, Hadyn Griffith, the refit saw KI Ross’ two 1100 horsepower V12 Caterpillar engines and Twin Disc gearboxes serviced back to original condition and all wheelhouse electronics replaced with state-of-the-art new technology.

“The complex refit project on KI Ross included a wide scope of work that modernised KI Ross to international standards,” said Mr Griffith.

“KI Ross is very well maintained and in exceptionally good condition, which is a credit to both her crew and the team of specialist marine trade professionals at Rivergate.”

A crane lifting one of KI Ross’ 1100 horsepower V12 Caterpillar engines. Image source: Queensland Government’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The 24-metre KI Ross is an integral part of the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol, capable of patrolling 200 nautical miles out to sea, with a key focus on compliance in the East Coast Trawl fishery, which contributes $170 million annually to Queensland’s economy.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said KI Ross was looking shipshape after the major refit, which supported local marine industry jobs.

“This project has invested directly into the Queensland economy and benefits the local workforce at the Murarrie marine precinct where hundreds of staff, apprentices and contractors are employed,” Mr Furner said.

“Skippered by Senior Field Officer Cherelle Broughton, the vessel and her crew of five fisheries officers are back on board and preparing for patrols off the Queensland coast.”

KI Ross was built in Geraldton, Western Australia in 1999 and patrols the offshore waters between the New South Wales border to Bowen in Northern Queensland. The vessel is often used in joint patrols with Maritime Safety Queensland and Australian Maritime Safety Authority to stop non-compliant behaviour by recreational and commercial fishers.

The Queensland Government contract also included the refurbishment of three Fisheries Queensland inflatable boats – Dogtooth, Nudgee and Paluma – which was managed by Rivergate onsite maritime business, Aus Ships. This refurbishment allowed the outboards on each boat to be replaced, as well as new electronics packages installed. All three boats received new tubes, covers and paint, and Paluma’s trailer was also replaced.

Dogtooth back on the water. Image source: Queensland Government’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries..

Already recognised for its excellent refit capabilities, Rivergate’s proposed $200 million expansion will further equip the shipyard and its contractors to support the expanding Defence and Government vessel fleets. To learn more about our expansion plans, click here.