Australian Customs Gets New Vessel

The latest addition to Australian Customs and Border Protection Service’s marine fleet was at Victoria Quay today for its naming ceremony.

ACV Thaiyak is a purpose-built vessel with advanced surveillance technology and capability to operate at sea for up to three months without support.

It will be used for a wide range of maritime security tasks, including apprehending foreign fishing boats, responding to illegal maritime arrivals, monitoring environmental pollution and assisting in the management of offshore nature reserves and marine parks.

ACV Thaiyak will be stationed on a near-permanent basis at the Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve and Cartier Island Marine Reserve.

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Scott Morrison MP atended today’s ceremony which was held wharfside and in B Shed. He said ACV Thaiyak would significantly boldster Australia’s ability to detect and respond to illegal maritime threats in Australian waters.

Minister Morrison acknowledged industry partners Strategic Marine and Gardline for their work in delivering the ship on time and within budget.

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Press Release, June 20, 2014; Image: Fremantle