RAN’s Admiral’s Barge was recently refitted and reconditioned by the experts at High Tide, a Sydney City Marine company, earning glowing praise from the Fleet Commander himself.
The 12-metre ceremonial vessel, built by Norman R. Wright & Sons in Brisbane and commissioned in 1993, recently returned to Serco after undergoing significant work to continue to its service catering to high ranking dignitaries and military officers.
Speaking with Warren Levin, Sydney City Marine’s Director for Commercial and Defence during Pacific 2019, Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead commented on the high quality of the engineering work and craftsmanship.
The Admiral reportedly made particular mention that he had ‘never seen the craft in better condition’ and expressed his gratitude to the shipwrights, engineers and tradespeople at Sydney City Marine (SCM).
Wes Gorman, Shipwright Manager at SCM’s High Tide described the project as “a labour of love.”
“It was a huge project involving both superstructural work and engineering,” Gorman said. “Major mechanical parts and engine components that had been outmoded had to be re-fabricated or repaired. We also installed a new AC system.
“While it’s not a historical vessel, it is a classic and all shipwright, painting and electrical work had to be in harmony with the original build,” Gorman said. “The last stage will be the final finish coat on her superstructure which we will undertake during the next docking in 12 months.”
The Admiral’s Barge is one of two vessels belonging to the VIP Boat Squadron and is the third vessel to carry the name since the conception of the Squadron more than 30 years ago.
It is used in the escort of senior Australian officials and foreign dignitaries on ceremonial occasions such as Fleet Reviews and Australia Day commemorations in and around Sydney Harbour. The 2011 Royal visit was an historic occasion for the VIP Boat Squadron and the RAN, when the Admiral’s Barge temporarily undertook ‘higher duties’ in service of Queen Elizabeth II.