Patrol boat written off as insiders tip next step for $15m ship
The fix of a Samoan patrol boat languishing at a Cairns shipyard after smashing into a Pacific reef last year has been ruled out, as insiders reveal one possible future for the Guardian Class vessel.
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THE Samoan patrol boat that careered into a Pacific reef will be handed back to Australia following the completion of a damage report as industry insiders reveal one possible future for the Guardian Class vessel.
On August 5, last year the Nafanua II smashed into a reef off Savai’I Island and limped into the port of Cairns on the back of a ship-carrying-barge towed by tug, PT Monto.
The 40m vessel was lifted from the water to sit in the yard at Norship for seven months before the government of Samoa and the Australian High Commission issued a statement this week.
“Following its arrival in Cairns, a thorough assessment of Nafanua II was undertaken. This assessment found the vessel to be beyond economical repair,” the statement read.
“Ownership of Nafanua II is being transferred from the government of Samoa to the Australian government as we look at options for disposal.”
The Samoan-flagged ship was donated by the Australian government in 2019 through the $2bn Pacific Maritime Security Program after being built in Western Australia.
It was the nation of Samoa’s only patrol boat and understood to be worth about $15m.
According to industry insiders the Nafanua II will be repurposed as a training vessel to be used by navy cadets skilling up on Guardian Class ships.
Two weeks ago the ship was removed from the Norship yard.
It’s understood the ship will be converted into a simulator using large screens to mimic ocean seascapes.
Business development manager at Tropical Reef Shipyard Andrew Wagner thought repurposing the ship was a good idea.
“They did have a simulator down at the (Great Barrier Reef International Marine) College and I know they are looking to expand; it would be a good place for it,” he said.
It’s unclear what caused the incident last September, but an investigation into the grounding has begun.
Details of the patrol boat handback come as the Pacific Island nation prepares to sign a security agreement with China.
On Wednesday, Australian intelligence officials met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to raise concerns over a potential security pact with China that could open the door to a Chinese presence in the region.
“Australia is working closely with Samoa to address Samoa’s maritime security needs,” the joint statement on Nafanua II read.
“Australia remains a committed maritime security partner for Samoa, continuing to provide support to ensure the ongoing protection of Samoa’s Exclusive Economic Zone, including through collaboration with regional partners.”
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