Southern Hemisphere's largest ship-lifter in Brisbane

A giant piece of marine machinery is putting Australia on the international maritime map, with Brisbane now the home to the largest ship lifter in the Southern Hemisphere.

The launch last month of Brisbane Ship Lifts and Boatyard’s 600-tonne travel lift is an exciting move, with the significant benefits to not only Brisbane but Queensland and the Australian marine industry in general, says industrial developer Viking Industries.

Jerry Lim, CEO of Viking Industries, says the travel lift provides the infrastructure required to promote Brisbane as an international marine industry destination with superior facilities for marine refits, repairs and maintenance.

“It is expected that this will boost superyacht numbers, as well as provide local naval and commercial vessels with the infrastructure required for necessary maintenance in closer proximity to their respective bases,” Lim says.

“What sets the travel lift apart is its ability to lift vessels up to 80 metres in length out of the water with precision, eliminating the risks associated with other forms of vessel haulage such as slipways and dry-docks.

“This means that large vessels are able to be quickly, reliably and safely serviced and repaired in Brisbane,” Lim adds.

Viking Industries believes large vessels such as superyachts have previously avoided travelling to Australia due to a lack of haul-out facilities. It is hoped the new travel lift will provide Brisbane with the opportunity to compete with cities like Barcelona, Singapore and San Diego to become a superyacht destination.

For more information, visit www.vikingindustries.com.au