The Royal Australian Navy’s new coastal research vessel, R/V Ginan. Courtesy Steber International.

The Royal Australian Navy has taken delivery of a new Australian-built, 12-metre vessel intended to strengthen maritime research skills.

Part of a $1.8 million project to support Defence’s maritime research, the R/V Ginan was built by regional firm Steber International, based at Taree, NSW.

The R/V Ginan will conduct science and technology trials in coastal waters, mostly in the Sydney Harbour and Jervis Bay areas.

Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price, said that 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”.

“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,” the Minister said.

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