Launch date set for game-changing new Moore Reef pontoon

Finishing touches are being added to a new double decker floating island, complete with a dedicated marine research station, ahead of an imminent launch of the game-changing tourism experience.

FINISHING touches are being added to a new double decker floating island, complete with a dedicated marine research station, ahead of a launch expected early in the New Year.

Currently under construction at Austal’s Portsmith shipyard, the $6.7m Dreamtime Island reef pontoon will be stationed at Moore Reef.

The completely self-sufficient solar-powered pontoon project has been commissioned by tourism giant Experience Co and will operate under the successful Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel brand.

Construction is nearing completion on Experience Co's new Dreamtime Island tourist pontoon to be stationed at Moore Reef from 2022. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

Veteran Cairns boat builders, established since 1978, English Engineering, have a host of experience in marine fabrication industry and last year built a pontoon equipped with luxury underwater accommodation for Cruise Whitsundays. Still, company director Pat English said it was an exciting time in the build.

“It looks really good and it has come together really well and everyone is happy,” he said.

In a first for the region a dedicated research facility will provide on-board accommodation for scientists observing major reef events such as coral spawning.

A new reef pontoon commissioned by Experience Co and built by English Engineering is nearing completion. Picture: English Engineering

“They do have them on the other pontoons but this is the first specialist facility,” Mr English said.

The new floating platform will provide capacity for up to 700 passengers a day, split into two departures with a maximum of up to 350 passengers on the pontoon at any one time.

Experience Co chief John O’Sullivan was excited about the launch of the new pontoon.

“As the newest product on the Reef for sometime we are excited about showcasing the Reef from a sustainability, sea country and science perspective,” he said.

Director of English Engineering Pat English and Experience Co general manager Great Barrier Reef Adam Jones at the Austal shipyard with the pontoon being constructed behind. Picture: Stewart McLean

Mr English said the pontoon, set for launch on the high tide in February, had come in on budget and the build had progressed seamlessly.

“There has been no big surprises,” he said.

The $6.7m Dreamtime Island reef pontoon will be launched in February for use at Moore Reef. Picture: English Engineering

Publicly listed adventure tourism business, Experience Co, received a $3m grant from the state to help finance the new outer Reef pontoon.

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Originally published as Launch date set for game-changing new Moore Reef pontoon