en.Wedoany.com Reported - Australian marine engineering and shipbuilding company Birdon has laid the keel for a larger Daintree River ferry at its shipyard in Port Macquarie, marking the project's transition from the design phase to hull assembly. The new vessel is scheduled to enter service by the end of 2027.

The keel-laying ceremony was held on June 18, 2026. Construction of the vessel began in January 2026 and will replace the existing ferry, which is nearing retirement.

The four-lane, cable-driven ferry measures approximately 49 meters in length and 17 meters in width. It can accommodate up to 36 vehicles per crossing, compared to the current ferry's capacity of 27 vehicles, with the expansion aimed at reducing queue times during peak periods.

Birdon is delivering the project under a full lifecycle model, encompassing design, construction, operation, and maintenance, under a 20-year contract with the Douglas Shire Council. The company will take over operation of the existing Daintree ferry service from July 1, 2026, while continuing construction of the new vessel.

The transition includes local maintenance arrangements and the establishment of a dedicated local operations team, leveraging Birdon's track record of achieving over 99% service availability in similar ferry operations in remote and regional areas.

Birdon is an Australian marine engineering, shipbuilding, and maritime services company involved in vessel construction, maintenance, and ferry services.

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