New Fisheries research vessel built by Dongara Marine stimulates local manufacturing business

A new multi-million-dollar fisheries vessel that will revolutionise research in the fishing industry, built by local company Dongara Marine, was launched this week.

The research vessel for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development hopes to build on WA’s science and research capabilities, making its maiden voyage in March.

The tender was awarded to Dongara Marine two years ago, and the vessel was finished two weeks ago, managing director of Dongara Marine, Rohan Warr, said.

“The opportunity this has provided us to expand our business, and give further investment into the community,” he said.

Mr Warr said Dongara Marine had been able to expand its workforce by 40 per cent since the start of the tender, including three new apprentices.

“There’s no question that this boat could’ve been built cheaper overseas but in doing that if we’re going to be serious about local manufacturing capabilities, we absolutely need that support,” he said.

The Cook Government has invested $3.2 million to replace the department’s ageing research vessel.

The new vessel was named Djildjit Kaartadjiny in consultation with Noongar elders, meaning knowledge and understanding of aquamarine fish or fisheries research.

The RV Djildjit will be based at Hillarys and used for a wide range of fisheries research and science activities across the State.

The 18.6m vessel provides a larger multipurpose research platform to perform a broad range of research, stock assessment and science monitoring tasks.

It can manage a variety of specialised research equipment including fish traps and crustacean pots, baited remote underwater video, remotely operated vehicles and towed underwater survey cameras.

The vessel will be used to survey and monitor the health of WA’s valuable fisheries including western rock lobster, crabs and demersal fish to support sustainability and accreditation through the Marine Stewardship Council.

The versatility of the design also allows it to be used to support the shark monitoring network and Statewide Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) program, as well as projects undertaken by research partners.

“This is part of our commitment to local, regional manufacturing. But aside from anything else, Dongara Marine build fantastic boats,” Regional Development and Fisheries Minister Don Punch said. Mr Punch visited Geraldton this week as part of the vessel launch.

In September last year Dongara Marine was also awarded the State Government tender to design and build a new police patrol vessel to replace the ageing PV Walcott. The project is expected to be completed by September 2025.