GLADSTONE features a well proportioned hull and superstructure.

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Gladstone

Vessel numberHV000174

Official Number317076

Builder Stannard Bros

Previous owner Stannard Bros

Designer Stannard Bros

Designer John Bolton

Date1964

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 15.1 m x 14.3 m x 4.57 m x 2.2 m, 32.35 tonnes (49.54 ft x 46.92 ft x 14.99 ft x 7.22 ft, 32.87 tons)
Registered Dimensions: 14.57 m x 4.57 m x 2.68 m, 32.35 tons x 13.94 tons (47.8 ft x 14.99 ft x 8.79 ft)

DescriptionGLADSTONE was operated by Stannard Brothers at Port Kembla and Sydney Harbour. They built the tug to a design done in partnership with the Sydney naval architect John Bolton. It was launched from their Berrys Bay NSW yard in 1964.

GLADSTONE was the first steel tug for Stannards, replacing the earlier wooden tow boats whose designs often dated back to World War II. It features typical steel construction for the period and has a fibreglass wheelhouse and cabin. The 15 m long vessel is currently powered by a 350 kW General Motors diesel and is steered in a conventional manner by a rudder behind the single propeller, not the more recent adjustable dual propeller methods.

This vessel was a typical port workhorse fulfilling a number of general duties besides towing and manoeuvering vessels. It continues in this work under private ownership on Brisbane Waters NSW and remains in good condition.
SignificanceGLADSTONE is an early example of a1960s steel tug, locally designed and built for operation on Sydney Harbour by the Sydney based firm Stannard Bros. It is a agood example of a typical, practical small tug design from the 1960s.