22/01/03
State Development Minister Clive Brown has congratulated WaveMaster International on its successful tender to build and design a $5million 35m high-speed monohull for P&O Australian Resorts.
“This is yet another example of the success of the Australian Marine Complex in Cockburn Sound and recognition of the world-class facilities for ship construction, repair and maintenance that has been developed in Western Australia,” Mr Brown said.
The state-of-the-art vessel, due for delivery in September 2003, will transfer holidaymakers between Gladstone and Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef.
P&O Australian Resorts is a member of the giant P&O Group, a global logistics and transport company with extensive marine operations worldwide.
“The selection of WaveMaster for this important contract was made after P&O Australian Resorts undertook a rigorous and hotly contested tender process,” Mr Brown said.
WaveMaster’s experience in the design, construction and delivery of six high performance aluminium monohull ferries to Singapore-based Berlian Ferries during 2002 was a significant consideration for P&O.
“WaveMaster’s track record in design and construction of premium quality, reliable, high-speed aluminium monohull vessels was a key factor in P&O’s selection of the WA-based shipyard,” the Minister said.
The Heron Island resort underwent extensive renovations in 2001, prompting P&O Australian Resorts’ decision to upgrade their 15-year-old vessel to a new generation hull, reducing transit times by 40 per cent to an hour and a half.
In November 2002, WaveMaster secured another highly sought order to design and construct a 34m Sightseeing Catamaran for Tourism Holdings Limited (THL), New Zealand's leading tourism operator. The listed public company concurrently secured an option to order a second, similar vessel from WaveMaster in 2003.
Minister's office: 9222 9699
