Launch of maritime research vessel ‘Ginan’

Joint media release

• Member for Lyne, The Hon David Gillespie

Defence is partnering with Australian companies to strengthen maritime research skills by delivering a new regional Australia-built defence science research vessel.

R/V Ginan, a 12m vessel, is part of a $1.8 million project to support Defence’s maritime research. 

The boat was constructed by a local Australian boat builder, Steber International, based at Taree, NSW.

It will be used for science and technology trials in coastal waters, predominantly in the Sydney Harbour and Jervis Bay regions of New South Wales.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the project was evidence of the Morrison Government’s commitment to building high quality and versatile Australian research platforms within Defence.

”We have a long history of working with Steber International and have been supported by Cummins South Pacific, Olectric Systems and a number of small service providers in the mid-north NSW coast area,” Minister Price said.

“This has enabled us to strengthen Defence capability. 

“While the vessel will initially focus on the development and testing of maritime robotic and autonomous systems, its versatility means it will also be used to support a range of programs, including hydrographic survey and ocean sciences.”

The vessel will replace the much-loved timber Army Work Boat, which has served Defence Science for more than 30 years.

Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said R/V Ginan was named after the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander word Ginan, representing a dilly bag filled with special songs of knowledge.

“For the Wardaman people of Northern Australia, it also refers to the fifth brightest star in the Southern Cross,” Dr Gillespie said.

“This project is clear evidence of our Government’s commitment to using Aussie know-how in the regions to grow our Defence capability.”