Program Overview
Birdon was awarded the Commonwealth contract in March 2022 to lead the design, construction and delivery of the replacement Sail Training Ship (STS) Young Endeavour. The new vessel will continue the legacy of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, which has supported over 14,000 young Australians in leadership and sail training since 1988.
Quick Facts
- Client
Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Defence)
- Location
Port Macquarie, Australia
- Lifecycle Stage
Design & Build
- Asset
Young Endeavour II
- Timeline
2022–2026
Objectives
- Replace the ageing STS Young Endeavour brigantine after 35 years of service
- Expand youth development opportunities through increased voyage capacity
- Reinforce sovereign shipbuilding capability in regional Australia
- Deliver a modern, purpose-built sail training vessel with enhanced safety and accessibility
Challenges
- Design a traditional tall ship with modern materials and systems
- Integrate advanced manufacturing and digital shipyard methodologies
- Meet naval safety standards while enhancing youth training experience
- Source and coordinate a diverse Australian supply chain across regions
Birdon’s Approach
Birdon is the prime contractor responsible for the design and construction of Young Endeavour II, working with Dykstra Naval Architects, who designed the vessel. Birdon is leading the build and delivery of the ship at its Port Macquarie shipyard, combining traditional tall ship craftsmanship with modern engineering.
The vessel features a barquentine rig with 14 sails across three masts, blending traditional sailing heritage with contemporary performance, safety and operational capability. Birdon has fully 3D-modelled the ship to support construction efficiency, quality assurance and stakeholder engagement throughout delivery.
Outcomes & Impact
- Next-generation sail training vessel supporting youth development and sovereign Australian shipbuilding
- Strong regional workforce contribution: ~250 people involved, majority based in Port Macquarie
- 28 apprentices and trainees engaged across shipbuilding disciplines
- Strengthened regional capability and long-term economic contribution to the Port Macquarie community
Skills & Capability Development
- Development of shipbuilding capability aligned to modern Royal Australian Navy and international standards
- Hands-on experience across fabrication (steel and aluminium), outfitting, coatings and marine trades
- Capability uplift in engineering, design, project management and production planning
- Strengthened regional workforce skills with long-term application beyond the project
Vessel Features & Specifications
- 52m overall length with ~9m beam
- Sail area exceeding 1,100m²
- Three-masted barquentine rig supporting efficient sail training operations
Capabilities in Action
- Prime contract delivery, vessel construction and rig integration
- Sub-system integration across mechanical, electrical, propulsion, communication and navigation systems
- Customisation for youth development and naval operation
- 85% Australian content across materials and services
- Delivery aligned to Defence compliance and Lloyds Register Class Society
