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2024 has been a fantastic year for ‘out-of-the norm’ vessel projects. As the year is coming to an end, we’ve been reflecting on the most unique vessels inspected by our Marine Surveyors. From unusual hull materials and outstanding design to innovative business endeavours and museum pieces, each vessel brought its own set of challenges and stories. All of them stand out not just for their design but for the work that goes into ensuring their safety and performance on the water.
Here are our top 5 picks of unique vessels that truly stood out:
1) Most Unique Vessels Inspected by Our Marine Surveyors No 1: Sentinel Boats Littoral Manoeuvre Crafts (LMCs)
First on the list are the 1250 Littoral Manoeuvre Crafts (LMCs), built by Tasmania-based manufacturer Sentinel Boats renowned for their experience in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) boats.
These vessels were purchased by the New Zealand Defence Force for expeditionary reconnaissance and mine countermeasure diving teams operating from HMNZ Manawanui. Sentinel Boats won the 2023 Minister of Defence Industry Award for Prime Contractor of the Year for these vessels.
Watch this video by the New Zealand Ministry of Defence to see the vessels in action (embed Youtube video):
HDPE construction offers several distinct advantages, making it an ideal material for demanding environments. HDPE is durable, resistant to impact, and has excellent corrosion resistance, which makes it perfect for vessels exposed to harsh marine conditions. The material’s ability to withstand rough handling and its resilience are essential for military applications where reliability is paramount. Additionally, HDPE builds don’t require antifouling and they’re lightweight, reducing maintenance costs and contributing to enhanced fuel efficiency.
The combination of HDPE’s unique properties and Sentinel Boats’ engineering expertise ensures these crafts will stand the test of time. ADEC Kedge’s Senior Naval Architect and Marine Surveyor Mike Hunn wrote the rules for HDPE construction for MAST in 1999.
2) Kuuma Sauna Boat
The Kuuma Sauna Boat is another outstanding design and the first sauna boat to have ever achieved commercial survey in Australia. It is a bespoke, custom-designed commercial tour vessel, specifically built for sauna cruising.
The operator engaged ADEC Kedge to conduct the necessary inspections to receive a Certificate of Survey (CoS) for vessel service category 2E. The vessel is now certified to accommodate up to 10 sauna aficionados on smooth water experiences to various locations in the North West Bay in Southern Tasmania.
Obtaining this approval from AMSA is a fantastic and important milestone for the vessel owners and the marine tourism industry.
3) PS Enterprise
The PS Enterprise is an 1878 Australian Paddle Steamer that worked on the great rivers of Southeast Australia for more than 100 years before becoming part of the collection of the National Museum of Australia. It is still operational, and one of the oldest working Paddle Steamers in the world.
The 57 ft long and 15 ft wide PS Enterprise was built in Echuca from red gums that lined the Murray River. These trees provided the hardwood for building and powering many of the river’s paddle steamers. The shallow draft of 75 centimetres allowed the vessel to cope with low water levels.
From its launch until it was acquired by the Museum in 1984, the PS Enterprise had a varied life: It was operated as a cargo vessel, floating store, fishing vessel, houseboat and showboat.
Our job at ADEC Kedge is to ensure it complies with the regulations of the Australian Maritime and Safety Authority (AMSA) while preserving museum quality.
4) FV Sea Eagle
FV Sea Eagle is an 18m steel vessel, designed and built with immaculate precision that impresses with its spacious interior and exquisite timber details.
After successfully assisting the operator with the initial survey requirements back in 2023/24 to gain 2D, 3B, and 3C survey, ADEC Kedge’s Marine Surveyor Graham Perkins recently completed the change of class survey requirements to add 2B to the existing Certificate of Survey. MFV Sea Eagle is now being operated as a cray fishing boat and research vessel.
5) Parramatta River Ferries
Seven new vessels are being built by Hobart-based Richardson Devine Marine for Transdev Sydney to replace the RiverCat class operating the Parramatta River services.
The ferries can accommodate 200 passengers, have floor-to-ceiling views and are designed to be converted to electric propulsion in the future. The seven new vessels are named after Australians who have made significant achievements in science, environment, and innovation.
ADEC Kedge Marine Surveyors and Naval Architects have been engaged to complete the inspections required to receive a Certificate of Survey (CoS), including:
- Plan Approval
- Commissioning Survey
- Initial Electrical Survey
- Initial Engineering Survey
- Initial Fire Systems and Fitout Materials Survey
- Initial Fuel Tank Survey
- Initial Hull Structure Survey
- Initial Lightship Check
- Draft Mark and/or Freeboard Survey
- Initial Shaft Survey
- Watertight and Weathertight Integrity Survey
- Approval of Stability Book and Plan Approval Survey
The first ferry – named after Australian botanist, educator and D’harawal Elder Frances Bodkin – entered passenger service in April 2024. The following three vessels – named after John Nutt, Isobel Bennett, and Martin Green, have received the Certificate of Survey over the last months. The remaining three ferries are expected to gain AMSA survey and be delivered to Sydney by mid 2025.
At ADEC Kedge, we love to be involved in the problem-solving process for unique and innovative builds. Ensuring the safety, compliance, and performance of such varied vessels has been an exciting challenge and a pleasure. We hope this article about the most unique vessels inspected by our Marine Surveyors this year sparked some inspiration for you, showcasing what is attainable within the limits of compliance regulations. As the maritime industry continues to innovate, we look forward to supporting the next generation of vessel designs that will redefine what’s possible at sea.
If you require assistance with maritime compliance for existing vessels or new builds, contact us to discuss your project.
