Pulu Voyager

For its first contract with the Australian Government, Dongara Marine delivered a purpose-designed ancillary ferry / utility vessel developed specifically for operation in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI), one of Australia’s most remote maritime territories.

The CKI community is dependent on the reliable operation of an ancillary ferry / utility vessel to transfer passengers between West Island and Home Island, to Direction Island, and to undertake maritime search and rescue operations as required. In addition to its core ferry function, the vessel must perform a wide range of operational support tasks across the lagoon and offshore.

Designed by Southerly Designs and constructed by Dongara Marine, the 19.9 metre Pulu Voyager operates under dual survey categories in accordance with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV).

In NSCV 1D survey configuration, Pulu Voyager functions as an ancillary ferry, transferring up to 60 passengers between islands within the lagoon and port boundaries.

In NSCV 2B survey configuration, the vessel operates offshore with up to 12 persons on board and may be required to operate up to 200 nautical miles from shore. In this role, the vessel supports general utility tasks and may be employed by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) including for maritime search and rescue activities.

In response to the requirements in the tender issued by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, and CKI Port LINX Port Services, Dongara Marine and Southerly Designs maximised value and capability while maintaining engineering simplicity within defined dimensional and other constraints.

The team focussed on satisfying the client-defined Essential, Highly Desirable and Desirable requirements, ensuring the final design aligned with operational intent rather than merely technical compliance.

A guiding principle throughout the project was to provide a simple vessel that would be reliable, robust and straightforward to operate and maintain in the CKI operational and support environment.

Examples where Pulu Voyager’s design, engineering and fitout address these challenges include using corrosion-resistant materials such as copper nickel pipework and marine coatings appropriate for warm tropical seawater. Machinery spaces were arranged for accessibility and optimal ventilation, and systems were chosen for serviceability and long-term reliability.

By prioritising simplicity, durability and maintainability, Dongara Marine delivered a vessel designed not only to perform, but to remain serviceable within the constraints of a remote island support environment.

As the vessel’s primary role is as an ancillary ferry, the design also focused on carrying the Department’s specified maximum passenger complement. This approach improves operating efficiency and reduces fuel consumption per passenger-nautical mile, lowering both operational cost and environmental impact.

Pulu Voyager is an aluminium monohull incorporating a typical fine entry and flared bow configuration and propeller tunnels. This hull geometry provides the shallow draft required for ferry operations within the lagoon environment as well as high levels of seakeeping necessary for offshore conditions.

Dongara Marine installed twin Scania DI16 076M marine diesel engines at Patrol Craft Long duty rating allowing intermittent high-power operation while preserving long-term engine reliability.

Sea trials confirmed strong speed performance, with the vessel exceeding requirements with a maximum speed of 25 knots and cruising comfortably at 22 knots.
Beyond speed, Pulu Voyager delivers meaningful towing and assistance capability. Testing confirmed a static bollard pull of 11 tonnes.

The aft deck is configured as an essentially open and adaptable space that can be quickly reconfigured to transition between ferry and utility vessel functions.
In ferry mode, removable passenger seating is fitted to maximise carrying capacity. When operating as a utility vessel, the seats can be removed, creating a clear working deck suitable for cargo, equipment or mission-specific operations including with a stern-launched RIB tender.

Internal seating is also provided within the superstructure for a limited number of passengers or additional personnel when operating in utility configuration.

A dual helm station arrangement, including fully enclosed flybridge, enhances operational capability and situational awareness.

Below deck, Dongara Marine fitted berths for three people and a compact galley / mess area while a combined toilet and shower compartment is on main deck. These facilities support extended operational deployments including improved crew endurance during offshore missions.