Tropical Reef Shipyard have acquired a new 135 tonne crane for $1m through a $4m grant to improve infrastructure and enhance TRS’s ability to deliver marine maintenance and sustainment to Australian and International defence ships.
The Honourable Michael Healy, Member for Cairns, attended the Tropical Reef yard on Friday to announce the release of the IPP Grant supporting the work.
The fully functional crane provides the capability to lift more weight at extended reaches improving safety. This will reduce movements of items being lifted increasing efficiencies. General Manager, Robert Downing stated:
“We now have the heaviest lift docking capacity from Sydney to Perth.”
The concrete works will ensure the shipyard surfaces are designed to take the heavier loads the crane can lift and provide a consistent surface for the safe movement of the crane, elevating work platforms and forklifts used alongside the slipway/ship.
The shipyard received the major grant from the Qld Governments’ Industry Partnership Program (IPP), a 50/50 grant of $4 million for our new crane and concrete project. This funding will allow TRS to enhance ship maintenance capabilities with cutting-edge technology and significantly improve efficiencies. The associated program of work will improve the facilities infrastructure ensuring they are up to date and meet or exceed standards required to service defence requirements.
This infrastructure expansion means TRS will be creating new jobs and contributing even more to the growth of the local community.
