- Crisafulli and Albanese Governments deliver $2.9 million refit to ensure eco-friendly Reef Ranger can continue essential work in the Great Barrier Reef.
- The refit includes new engines that can operate on oil from waste cooking oils and solar panels.
- The innovative features will improve the Reef Ranger's efficiency and significantly reduce its environmental footprint.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have delivered an innovative $2.9 million refit of the Reef Ranger, a large marine park patrol and operations vessel operating on the Great Barrier Reef.
Supporting multiday field trips, scientific operations, compliance patrols and Traditional Owner partnerships, the Reef Ranger works across remote reef and island locations.
The significant upgrades, conducted by Rivergate Marina and Shipyard in Brisbane, will improve efficiency and reduce the vessel's environmental footprint in the region.
This includes new renewable fuel capable propulsion engines that can run on oil derived from waste cooking oils.
A silicone based hull coating will cut emissions and fuel use, and a hybrid solar and battery power system will further reduce reliance on diesel and lower carbon emissions.
The upgrades are part of the Crisafulli and Albanese Government's commitment to safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the state-of-the-art upgrade would complement the work being done by both Governments to protect the Reef.
"There's a lot of ocean to cover when caring for the Reef, and this vessel allows rangers and technical staff to carry out essential activities, including wildlife and ecosystem surveys, coral health assessments, compliance patrols and supporting infrastructure maintenance for visitors," Minister Watt said.
"We understand the importance of the Reef – both environmentally and economically – which is why the Albanese Government has invested a record $1.2 billion to help build the Reef's resilience. Together with the Queensland Government our total Reef investment is now over $5 billion since 2014."
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Reef Ranger was commissioned in 2014 and was a core operational asset for education, compliance and research on the Great Barrier Reef.
"The Reef Ranger has carried rangers and researchers to some of the most iconic places in the Great Barrier Reef, places like Raine Island, Wuthara and Hinchinbrook, helping communities protect the reef we all care about," Minister Powell said.
"This new cuttingedge technology will help continue essential work in supporting wildlife and ecosystems, and with a $2.9 million investment for the Reef Ranger refit, we're taking proactive steps to ensure the reef remains vibrant and thriving for generations to come.
"This refit is a shining example of how innovation can deliver impactful, long-term outcomes that benefit our environment."
Jointly funded by the Queensland Government and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority , the Reef Ranger plays a critical role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef's delicate ecosystem and delivering key activities for the Reef Joint Field Management Program .
