Quicksilver V has powered back to work showcasing the Great Barrier Reef following an extensive refit with new generation sustainable fuel engines. 

Buffed and shining new, the 39 metre aluminium wavepiercer catamaran has now returned to service after almost three months completing the $2 million refit with twin Rolls-Royce mtu 2000 series marine engines which are capable of using renewable fuels.

“This has been an enormous undertaking led by our Quicksilver engineering team and is the culmination of over 18 months planning since the engines were custom ordered in October 2022,” said Tony Baker, Quicksilver Group Managing Director.

“Despite facing challenges including the impact of Tropical Cyclone Jasper and subsequent flooding which delayed the installation of the engines, the expertise of the team and local contractors has resulted in a vessel of exceptional performance and a major asset as we strive to deliver a more sustainable future. 

While HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuels are not yet commercially available in Australia, the new engine technology is already achieving notable reduction in fuel consumption by 10%.”

In addition to new engines and gearboxes, modifications to the wheelhouse included installation of an advanced monitoring control system with touch screen panels and access to real time data from the entire propulsion plant. 

The vessel performed even better than projected during commissioning sea trials achieving a top speed of 30.2 knots. With onboard comforts, Quicksilver V will economically cruise around 24 knots on her 90 minute journey to the spectacular Agincourt Reef, adjacent to Australia’s Continental Shelf.

With many visitors interested in more sustainable travel and environmental initiatives, Quicksilver V's engine refit complements an ongoing commitment to preserving and showcasing the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. 

A recent survey conducted with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority revealed remarkable coral diversity at Quicksilver's Agincourt Reef platform. With over 100 different species of corals documented, this represents around one-quarter of all hard corals found on the Great Barrier Reef.

Quicksilver has previously retrofitted four Rolls-Royce mtu 16V2000M72 commercial marine engines into the company’s flagship 45 metre Quicksilver VIII.  These engines supplied by Penske Australia have received a clean fuel certification for HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and other EN15940 fuels (synthetically produced diesel fuels) which have demonstrated up to 90% CO2 emissions reduction.

When the HVO fuel becomes commercially available in Australia, the company’s fleet will be ready to lead the way with these environmentally-friendly, sustainable fuels.