Program Overview
Birdon has been awarded a 20-year contract to design, build, operate and maintain a new four-lane cable ferry for the Daintree River crossing. The project replaces an aging three-lane ferry and provides a vital transport link for residents, tourists and businesses in the region.
Quick Facts
- Client
Douglas Shire Council, Far North Queensland
- Location
Mossman, QLD (Daintree)
- Lifecycle Stage
Design, Build, Operate and Maintain
- Timeline
July 2026 – December 2047
- Design and Build Location
Port Macquarie
- Asset
Four-lane Cable Ferry
Objectives
- Replace aging ferry nearing end-of-life
- Ensure reliable transport for approximately 700 residents and thousands of tourists
- Support regional economic growth and tourism
- Integrate with upgraded landside infrastructure
Challenges
- Tight operational timelines and environmental constraints
- Complex stakeholder needs including cultural sensitivity
- High expectations for service reliability and sustainability
- Engineering challenges due to vessel size and launch logistics
- Seamless transition of existing ferry operations from 1 July and service delivery until new Ferry enters service in December 2027
- Remote operating location, with extreme weather fluctuations such as heat, cyclones and floods
- Ongoing training commitments to Ferry Operators to meet evolving safety and compliance requirements
- Compliance with environmental requirements in a World Heritage Area
Birdon’s Approach
Birdon’s solution includes:
- Innovative modular build to incorporate unique cable ferry design knowledge
- Australian-built ferry at Port Macquarie shipyard New South Wales, supporting local jobs
- Design partnerships with experienced and local designers to understand the unique operating conditions of the Daintree River
- Integrated maintenance regime with daily, quarterly and annual checks
- Operate to strict environmental compliance requirements in a World Heritage Area
- Community-first operations with priority lanes and emergency access
- Extensive Ferry Operator training programs to meet Maritime safety and compliance requirements and maintain high standards of service
- Local recruitment solutions, which surge capacity to support peak service demand periods
- Working closely with local tourist based businesses to support the region
- By reflecting the textures and colours of the Daintree River setting, the new design achieves a cohesive and environmentally sympathetic presence
Outcomes & Impact
The project delivers a next-generation cable ferry that increases transport capacity, improves reliability and supports long-term regional growth.
Capabilities in Action
- Naval architecture and cable ferry design
- Sub-system integration and hydraulic engineering
- Safety and reliability planning across operations
- Lifecycle asset management across design, build, operate and maintain phases
- Delivery of Birdon’s largest cable ferry to date at 49.8m LOA and 17.3m beam
- Increased vehicle capacity to 36 vehicles, up from 27 on the existing ferry
- Unbeaten service availability at >99%
- Reduced queue lengths and wait times through increased capacity
- Integration with $9M landside infrastructure upgrades
- Delivery under ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified systems
- Compliance to AMSA Maritime Operating requirements
- Environmental Management Plan implemented to support ongoing operations
