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Defence has launched scientific research vessel the R/V Ginan to support Defence’s maritime capabilities.
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The Australian Defence Force has launched a new maritime research vessel to support Australia’s research capabilities along the nation’s coast.
The 12-metre R/V Ginan was contracted to Australian-based company Steber International in NSW’s Taree, with the contract valued at $1.8 million. It is expected that the R/V Ginan will take the place of Defence Science’s Work Boat, which has been in service for over 30 years.
The vessel is expected to undertake research primarily in Sydney Harbour and Jervis Bay, but also along the coast.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price outlined that commissioning the R/V Ginan was a crucial development for Australia’s maritime scientific research.
”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.”
In a statement, member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie explained why Defence chose the word 'Ginan' to represent the new research vessel.
“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.”
It is hoped that the Ginan's research will support Defence's application of emerging maritime autonomous vessels.
[Related: RAN, French Navy rendezvous in South China Sea]
