Serco Australia (Serco) have been awarded the contract to design and build the new marine freight vessel for Lord Howe Island on 5 February 2026.
Serco has partnered with International Maritime Consultants (IMC), a highly respected Australian naval architecture, and vessel design firm, which has prepared the vessel’s bespoke concept design.
The vessel will be built to service Lord Howe Island’s residents and visitors for the next 40 years, with the new fortnightly freight service commencing end 2027. The new vessel for Lord Howe Island will be designed and built to class with a world-leading classification society. The vessel will go into service as a Domestic Commercial vessel under the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Class 2B.
Serco has engaged respected Australian company, Maritime Survey Australia to conduct the initial survey for the vessel design and to conduct all vessel electrical design and approval tasks to ensure that the vessel’s electrical components comply with AMSA requirements and Australian standards.
Serco Australia will now commence the detailed design of the new marine vessel and are committed to actively engage with residents and stakeholders.
A Project Control Group (PCG) has been established and is led by the Chair of the Lord Howe Island Board. The PCG includes Elected Board Members, three (3) selected community members nominated through the Community Consultation Group, the Program Sponsors, and Project Managers involved in the design and build. Relevant subject matter experts (SMEs) and Serco will be invited where required. The agreed detailed design process is for four (4) PCG meetings to seek input and feedback on key elements of Serco’s ship design plans.
The Project Control Group will focus on reviewing plans and discussing key issues such as vessel concept design, vessel detailed design plans, technical reporting and programme milestones for design and build delivery.
Serco’s commitment for the design and build is to share information, be professional and open with community through the construction of the New Marine Vessel. Serco see their role as partners and stewards alongside the Board and the community, working together to deliver outcomes that respect the Island’s character while supporting its long-term sustainability.
Serco will attend and present at a community information session in March / April 2026 to provide information, answer questions, and hear directly from residents.
Further information is also provided at Frequently asked questions | Lord Howe Island Board
For enquiries, please email the project team at [email protected].