SeaLink South East Queensland has announced its vessel, Talwurrapin, has been awarded as the Best Small Ferry for the Baird Maritime Work Boat World Best of 2023 Awards. This global accolade highlights Talwurrapin’s outstanding performance and contribution to enhancing transportation services in the region, taking out the title amongst 400 other new vessels reviewed in 2023.
Donna Gauci, CEO of SeaLink Marine & Tourism, expressed her pride in Talwurrapin’s achievement, stating, “We are delighted that Talwurrapin has been recognised as the 2023 Best Small Ferry.
“Achieving a category first place amongst 400 other new vessels from around the world last year is a testament to the dedication of our team and build partners Incat Crowther and Norman R. Wright & Sons,” Ms Gauci continued.
Talwurrapin plays a crucial role in connecting Queensland’s Southern Moreton Bay Island communities and providing fast, reliable transportation services, and SeaLink are honoured to receive this recognition.
Viewing the vessel before going into service in 2023
Ben Renwick, General Manager of SeaLink South East Queensland, echoed Gauci’s sentiments, emphasising the vessel’s importance to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands community. “Talwurrapin’s innovative design and capabilities make it a vital asset in our ferry fleet. Its spacious seating, panoramic views, and state-of-the-art technology ensure a comfortable and efficient journey for all passengers,” Renwick stated.
The Baird Maritime Work Boat World Best of 2023 Award judging criteria includes innovation, styling, finish and build quality. The Talwurrapin, designed by Incat Crowther and built by Norman R. Wright & Sons, boasts several features that set it apart from its predecessors.
The 24-metre catamaran’s expansive, full-length windows provide passengers with stunning views of Moreton Bay, enhancing the overall passenger experience. It features a low draft and is propelled by azimuthing waterjets for agile manoeuvring, making for a more comfortable experience, and it includes additional advanced technologies which were incorporated throughout to make it a state-of-the-art ferry. Additionally, the Talwurrapin’s design enables efficient boarding and accessibility, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.
The vessel’s name, Talwurrapin, holds significant cultural significance, reflecting the Quandamooka Jandai language’s “Redland Bay / Cotton Tree” translation. This naming choice, made in consultation with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), underscores SeaLink’s commitment to honouring and respecting Indigenous culture.
Talwurrapin’s maiden service in January 2023 marked a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands community. SeaLink extends its gratitude to pivotal stakeholders, including the Queensland Government, Translink, Member for Redlands Kim Richards, and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, for their invaluable contributions to the project’s success.
SeaLink’s Talwurrapin
SeaLink also won the title of Best Small Ferry in 2022 with SeaLink North Queensland’s Maggie Cat vessel.
“To win this award two years in a row highlights our ongoing commitment to excellence and the expertise shown by our internal build teams and the quality of our trusted partners,” Ms Gauci concluded.
For more information on SeaLink SEQ’s fleet including new vessel builds or to visit the brilliant Bay Islands visit www.sealink.com.au
