'The Steve Irwin is known for its tenacious defence of whales in Antarctica.'


Marine wildlife protection and Conservation group Sea Shepherd have slipped their patrol vessel “Steve Irwin” at Brisbane Slipways in Colmslie to undergo maintenance and repairs after numerous encounters with the Japanese whaling fleet while defending whales in Antarctica.

Several steel plates have been removed from the bow of the Steve Irwin and are currently being replaced by the experienced team at Brisbane Slipways. Other work includes repairing the ship’s anchor, which was also damaged in the dramatic incident.

Sea Shepherd’s Ben Baldwin said that the dangerous encounter between the two vessels was a drastic measure, but estimates that their actions directly saved the lives of over 300 whales last summer. “Sea Shepherd was founded by Captain Paul Watson in 1977, and tens of thousands of whales, including minke, sperm and the highly endangered blue whale species, are alive today because of the efforts of Sea Shepherd’s vessels and dedicated crew members.'

Brisbane Slipways' 30,000 square meter facility has the capacity to slip vessels of up to 2'500 tonnes and 100 metres in length.

General Manager Operations, Gary Kidd said: “At Brisbane Slipways, we have assembled a highly skilled team of specialists, and we have the ability to undertake complex marine engineering work on a wide range of vessels, from luxury Superyachts to barges and ferries.'

According to Ben Baldwin: “Over the past 30 years, Sea Shepherd ships have undergone marine engineering work in slipways all over the world. Brisbane Slipways have world class facilities and consistently provide us with professionalism, reliability and quality in all aspects of their work.'

The vessel will be refloated at the slipway on Monday 15 June 2009.