Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition

Wrights will be exhibiting at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney for the first time. The Exposition takes place at the Darling Harbour International Convention Center and has a strong focus on the naval sector. Interest is high with the Commonwealth’s focus on building sovereign capability in the maritime sector. There are some 900 exhibitors and, based on previous years, attendance is expected to exceed 27,000.

At the Exposition, we will be presenting details of our recent commission from the Navy to develop a design for a Multi Role Support Vessel – the MROC24. The versatile vessel has a remarkable 35 tonne deadweight capacity which includes the ability to transport a 14 tonne 20ft ISO Container, support Surface Supplied Breathing Apparatus (SSBA) dive operations up to 100m with dedicated Launch and Recovery System (LARS), 3 diver control room and Recompression Chamber (RCC) support, deploy and operate Remote Operating Vehicles (ROV’s), and accommodate crew of 6 and transport up to 24 special personnel.

Designed entirely for composite construction to DNV Class, it leverages Wright’s extensive experience in delivering low maintenance, corrosion free, robust composite workboats for demanding applications and long asset life.

Wright’s design of a 24m Composite Offshore Multi Role Support Vessel

Of course this is not the first time Wrights has worked with the Navy. Some highlights follow (along with links to more detailed stories):

Admiral’s Barge

Wrights were commissioned to design and construct the magnificent Admiral’s Barge (1992). Sadly, despite a recent significant cosmetic refit, the Admiral’s barge was decommissioned just prior to King Charles’ visit due to lack of funds available to replace the ageing engines. (Seems even loose change needs to be tipped into AUKUS’s $368bn budget!)

https://www.wrightsons.com.au/admirals-barge-luxury-day-boat/

PT Boats

During World War II, Wrights became a hub for repairing and refitting boats for the Navy, Army and Air Forces from Australia and our Allies including the infamous PT (Patrol-Torpedo) Boats. A focus for much of the work undertaken was repairs to boats damaged in the Pacific Theatre conflicts or the commissioning of new boats, which arrived from the US.

The most impressive boats Wrights worked on during the time were built by Elco, the Naval Division of the Electric Boat Company in the US, with their largest being known as “80 Foot of Wood and Weaponry”.

https://www.wrightsons.com.au/building-repairing-boats-for-our-allies-the-story-of-pt-117-by-bill-wright/

Fairmiles

Wrights were commissioned by the Department of Defence during WWII to build 4 of the British designed 112ft Fairmile Type B motor launches, seen below in final stages of construction at Wrights’ Quay St Yard.

https://www.wrightsons.com.au/world-war-ii-the-fairmile-story/

Bintang Siang

The Bintang Siang was a 42ft “replica” Indonesian fishing vessel built by Wrights during WWII under commission of the SIA (Secret Intelligence Australia). Her extraordinary story spying throughout the Indonesian Archipelago can be found here: https://www.wrightsons.com.au/introduction-to-the-bintang-siang/

Support Vessels

During WWII, Wrights were commissioned to construct numerous support vessels such as aircraft refuelling vessels and tenders: