The NSW Government has announced $46.3 million in the state’s 2025-26 Budget for a new NSW Police Force Marine Area Command vessel.
The investment will fund a new Class 1 Vessel (Nemesis) – replacing the current vessel (pictured) which the Government says is approaching end-of-useful-life after almost 20 years on the water.
The Nemesis is invaluable to the NSWPF’s marine operations. It can operate in the harshest offshore maritime environments – with a patrol range of 1,500 nautical miles or 2,800kms – for extended periods, said NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell.
The vessel gives officers the capability to conduct extended offshore operations including search and rescue, maritime and counter-terrorism protection and target maritime crime and illegal drug importation.
“We are the only police force in Australia with this capability,” said Deputy Commissioner Thurtell.
“This new vessel puts us even further in front in the fight against drugs and other serious crime.
“Marine Area Command officers are trained to deal with everything from significant drug detections, and terrorism to major boating emergencies.
“This new vessel is a major weapon for our Marine Command, and its’ team of elite officers, in the fight against what can be some very serious crimes right across their patrol.”
The new vessel will also protect NSW’s economic interests, assists marine counter-terrorism operations, polices major water events – including New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour – and be the response vessel to Lord Howe Island for emergency management.
Since becoming operational in 2008, the current Nemesis has intercepted and seized 8.1 tonnes of narcotics including one tonne of methamphetamine, seven tonnes of cocaine and interrupted the shipment of 240 tonnes of illicit tobacco.
The Nemesis has also completed countless major rescues, including in September 2024 when two stricken sailors were rescued off the Shoalhaven area in eight metre seas.
The new vessel will have an extended patrol range, allowing for 12-day patrols, advanced satellite communications, military-grade surveillance and infrared camera, seven metre boarding vessel, along with emergency management capabilities to support Lord Howe Island.
“The Nemesis is absolutely critical when it comes to the capability of our Marine Area Command to keep our waterways and streets safe,” said Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley.
“The role of this vessel cannot be overstated – from intercepting illegal drugs, to policing major events and conducting offshore rescues – the Nemesis does it all.
“Today’s announcement builds on our work to invest in our hardworking police and ensure they have the resources, equipment and capability to continue to keep us all safe,” she said.
