TEBCO

Building on the success of the 26.0 metre Holdfast delivered to the same owner in March 2018, TEBCO demonstrates Tebco Fishing’s commitment to investment in vessel capability for the Western Rock Lobster fishery and its satisfaction with Dongara Marine.

With a length overall of 26.6 metres and beam of 7.8 metres – 15 per cent more than previous vessels of comparable length – the aluminium hulled monohull is dimensionally the largest lobster boat of its type ever built in Australia.

TEBCO has live tank capacity for up to 5.7 tonnes of live lobster (192 baskets). This includes the integration of an innovative catch storage and handling system centred on 12-basket modular “pods” and a deck crane rated to lift 960kg at 9.0 metres.

The pods are stored in six live tanks; two with two pods each, and four with three pods each.

This layout, combined with the hydraulic slewing crane rated to lift the pods, enables safer, more crew friendly, and more efficient unloading including an estimated 80 per cent reduction in manual labour.

TEBCO is surveyed to AMSA NSCV 2B and 3B standards to provide operational flexibility. In addition to its primary role as a commercial fishing boat, the 2B survey certification – with capacity for two crew, up to 10 additional personnel and 56 tonnes of deck cargo – enables the vessel to undertake a broad range of commercial support tasks up to 200 nautical miles offshore. These could include offshore logistics roles either between fishing periods or in the future as market opportunities may make commercially attractive.

The combination of high payload capacity, large open work deck, and lifting capability provides versatility for multi-role operations. Robust structure and the proven ability of Southerly Designs vessels to achieve long operational lives supports the vessel’s potential future sale into secondary work boat / offshore vessel roles, a path numerous similar boats have successfully taken.

Propulsion power comes from twin 1029kW (1380hp) MAN engines driving Veem propellers via ZF gearboxes. This delivers a maximum speed of 25 knots and a service speed of 18 knots. Fuel is stored in four wing tanks totalling 12,800 litres.

Below deck TEBCO also features nine berths arranged to maximise comfort and utility: a forward single cabin with adjacent shower/toilet compartment, two twin cabins, and two queen-berth cabins in the aft most section of the accommodation. A watertight door provides access to the tank room which also houses the laundry.

For voyages of unlimited durations TEBCO is certified for two crew and five additional personnel (NSCV 2B), or up to seven crew (NSCV 3B) survey conditions. Larger numbers of personnel can be carried for shorter durations.

The composite wheelhouse – completed to DNV standards – provides excellent insulation and weight savings. Its layout includes a port-side helm station and a starboard galley and crew mess, with a secondary helm station for enhanced visibility and control. An AVENTICS Marex 3D three-axis joystick system enables simultaneous, integrated control of the main engines and Sleipner bow thruster through joysticks fitted at both main and secondary helm positions.

Electronics were supplied and installed by Geraldton Marine Electronics, continuing its long-standing partnership with both Dongara Marine and Tebco Fishing. The integrated system supports navigation, communication, fishing operations and vessel monitoring and control.

Twin 40kVA Mase Mariner 3400 generators are fitted, with Pages Electrical Service (PES) undertaking the vessel’s electrical fitout, ensuring a reliable, survey-compliant installation.