Sydney’s newest vessels take centre stage

It’s been a big week for the Burra – Sydney’s newest working harbour vessel - only christened on Monday in keeping with ancient maritime traditions, it will end the week showing off its capabilities during a spectacular on-water performance on Friday night.

Port Authority CEO Captain Philip Holliday said the Burra’s enhanced speed, water pumping capability and excellent manoeuvrability not only make it ideal for incident response, but serendipitously, also perfect for performing a spectacular on water lightshow, choreographed to the enchanting melodies of Lakmé's Flower Duet.

“Port Authority knew it was building vessels ready to make waves in firefighting, debris clearance, vessel assistance, and pollution incident response – but we hadn’t planned for them being in an Opera performance!” Captain Holliday said.

“Australia Day is the busiest day on the harbour and our Operations teams will be working the Burra as part of its “day job” helping to keep the habour safe, but when the sun goes down, people will get to see a very different side of this working vessel.”

Pumping a massive 16,000 litres of sea water every minute, the Burra has the equivalent capacity of four large fire trucks.   Through this enormous spray, projected 90 meters, a flower will appear in a never-seen-before spectacular light display.

Captain Holliday said the Burra and its twin the Girawaa, are part of a $11.5 million investment to enhance operational maritime capabilities in Sydney Harbour and Botany, custom-built in the heart of regional New South Wales for the job.

“This substantial investment has not only delivered state-of-the-art vessels to protect our harbours but also provided a boost to the local economy by supporting regional industries and retaining highly skilled workers in regional towns,” Captain Holliday said.

“Approximately 40 local staff and an additional 20 subcontractors dedicated themselves to crafting these vessels over the past two years at Birdon's Port Macquarie shipyard.

Captain Holliday also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to officially name these vessels using local Aboriginal languages, thanks to the collaboration with Tribal Warrior and the Gujaga Foundation, working closely with Elders and the local community to seek appropriate names and permissions.

“The Burra and Girawaa will become the new icons of our working harbours, honouring the rich tapestry of maritime heritage in Coastal Sydney and the Traditional Owners whose waters and lands we help to protect every day,” he said.

The Burra will make its grand debut at the 2024 Australia Day live concert at 7.30pm as part of a world exclusive performance accompanying Lakme’s Flower Duet.  More information on Australia Live Concert.

MEDIA CONTACT: 02 9296 4672

KEY FACTS:

Port Authority’s New Vessels:

• Are named using local Aboriginal language with Burra the word for eel and Girawaa the word for Stingray
• Play a key role in emergency actions and marine pollution response to protect life, property, infrastructure and the marine environment.
• Firefighting both on water and from the water where fires are in difficult locations for land crews.
• Supporting Maritime NSW and NSW Police in major on water operations.
• Can pump 16,000 litres of sea water per minute - equivalent to the capacity of 4 large fire engines
• Can project water to over 90 metres - almost the length of a standard soccer field.
• Can travel at speeds of 27 knots (50km/h).
• Can turn 365 degrees in 60 metres, while travelling at 20 knots, making them extremely agile in the water.
• Capable of travelling in shallow water so they can get in close and trickier areas.
• Fitted with an underwater surveillance measuring and monitoring systems.
• The two new vessels were built in regional NSW (Port Macquarie) and cost $11.5million, by 40 local expert ship builders and 20 contractors.
• Are working vessels that replace two icons of the Harbour Shirley Smith and Ted Noffs who have retired after almost 40 years of working service.  
• Were named and blessed in keeping with ancient maritime traditions, including having female patrons, which brings good fortune and prosperity to a new vessel and all who work aboard her.
• Throughout history, women hold the role of patron for vessels, symbolising strength, wisdom, and protection on the water.