VALIANT STAR in Lavender Bay, 2005, in use as a private motor vessel.

Images(3)

Lines plan of a tug from 1938 by Lars Halvorsen and Sons. Note the tunnel or concave stern abov…

Valiant

Vessel numberHV000007

(not assigned)S-73

Vessel Registration Number54341

Previous owner Sydney Ferries Ltd

Builder Lars Halvorsen Sons Pty Ltd (1924 -)

Previous owner Harbour Lighterage

Date1942

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 12.19 m x 12.19 m x 3.35 m x 1.37 m (40 ft x 40 ft x 11 ft x 4.5 ft)
Engine dimensions: 75 kilowatts, 6 No. (100 horsepower)
Propeller dimensions: 916 mm (36 in)

DescriptionVALIANT is 12.19 metres long and was one of six sisterships built in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Only two of them now survive. They were built for Sydney Ferries Ltd and the associated Harbour Land and Transport Company Ltd.

The first vessel VIVIAN was built at Cockatoo Dockyard, and the design is understood to have been based on the Canadian Simpson Class log-handling tugs. Sydney Ferries had the remaining five built by Halvorsens as they gave a much better price for construction. They were built at their Neutral Bay yard.

These tugs were all involved in war service during World War II and three went to the Mediterranean area where they were lost. VALIANT (as it was then called) served with the Small Ships Section of the US Army in wartime theatres of operation to the north of Australia. When it returned from the war to work on Sydney Harbour it took the name VALIANT STAR.

After being retired from harbour duties VALIANT STAR started a new career in the 1990s as a private recreational launch, and in 2008 new owners returned the vessel to its original name VALIANT.
SignificanceVALIANT is a workboat and tug built in Sydney in the late 1930s It was constructed by Lars Halvorsen Sons Ltd who are well known as builders of luxury launches, hire vessels and other recreational craft. This is an example of the many commercial craft they also built but are not as well-known for. It has strong connections to the Port of Sydney as a tug boat .