Tugs to chug hundred-tonne boilers down the Brisbane River

Three 175-tonne boilers bound for Vanuatu will be towed downstream on the Brisbane River by a seagoing 85m long barge and two large tugs tomorrow.

Transport and Main Roads Minister, Paul Lucas said the tug-barge combination will travel from Goodna to Hamilton, headed for the Port of Brisbane.

“The boilers have been successfully loaded onto SEATOW 17 at Goodna and will be taken by two Bowen Tug and Barge tugs to Forgacs (FitOutWharf) Cairnscross," Mr Lucas said.

“The boilers, accompanied by Brisbane Water Police escort vessels, will depart Goodna at 6.30am, passing South Brisbane and town reaches at 9.30am.”

Mr Lucas said the boilers are being transported by barge to the port because they're too large and heavy to travel by road.

“They are enormous and will be a sight tomorrow for residents and commuters as the convoy makes its way along the Brisbane River towards the port.”

Mr Lucas said Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) have ensured that all maritime safety requirements are in place for the journey.

“MSQ have issued a Notice to Mariners advising boat owners to navigate with caution around the tug-barge combination and be aware of anchor cables and mooring lines," he said.

“MetroLink, the operator of Citycat, have also been advised as ferry passengers might have to wait a few minutes at terminals as the convoy passes them.”

Mr Lucas said once at the port the barge will be reunited with its seagoing tug and prepared for its voyage on March 1 to the Goro Nickel Project in Vanuatu.

More information can be accessed from Maritime Safety Queensland's website at www.msq.qld.gov.au.

Media Contact: Roanne Johnson 3237 1145

*Photo opportunities will be available of the tug-barge convoy transporting the three boilers on the Brisbane River at South Bank in South Brisbane and the River’s town reaches at around 9.30am tomorrow morning.