Steber International delivers science and technology vessel

Taree, New South Wales boat builder Steber International has delivered a new science and technology research vessel which will be used in coastal waters, predominantly Sydney Harbour and Jervis Bay.

The R/V Ginan (pictured) is 12 metres long and is part of a $1.8 million project to support defence maritime research.

Last month Steber relaunched the vessel in the Manning River following local flooding.

The company is also building a 38 foot navy surveillance vessel for prime contractor, Thales.

Minister for defence industry Melissa Price said: “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.

“This has enabled us to strengthen Defence capability.”

The vessel will initially focus on the development and testing of maritime robotic and autonomous systems.

Price said the vessel’s versatility meant it would also be used to support a range of programs, including hydrographic survey and ocean sciences.

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

Picture: Steber International

Subscribe to our free @AuManufacturing newsletter here.