The Golden Grove is the first of eight of the First Fleet Sydney Ferries to undergo a full overhaul and refurbishment at Birdon’s shipyard in Port Macquarie.
Birdon’s team fully stripped the interior of Golden Grove and blasted the hull to remove existing paint.
Golden Grove has been fitted with all new flooring, seating, ceilings, paint, stairs, balustrades, doors, and windows. Our specialised marine electricians replaced lighting, sound, and AC systems. The pilothouse has been fitted with all new navigation and communications systems and cabling.
The exterior of the vessel was fully repainted, the underwater hull coated with antifoul, and the decks painted with non-skid.
Sponsons, generator, and engines were removed and replaced, and Birdon’s team installed new engines, gearboxes, and support systems in-house. The propellers and shafts were removed and replaced after servicing.
After a week of commissioning, survey, and trials in Port Macquarie, the vessel was accepted by Transdev Sydney Ferries for Transport for New South Wales.
Birdon’s team is looking forward to upgrading the remaining vessels in the fleet.
In their new condition, the Ferries will make for an even more enjoyable trip on Sydney Harbour. This refurishment will extend the life of the First Fleet well into the next decade.
The high quality of this refurbishment is possible because of the dedication, skill and hard work of Birdon’s team.
Work has now commenced on the next Sydney Ferries: Borrowdale and Sirius.