North Marine’s tug boats and commercial divers are contracted to disconnect and tow Quicksilver’s pontoon for routine maintenance, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Port of Cairns in Queensland.

Scope of Work

Annually, Quicksilver Group engage North Marine to disconnect, tow and re-install the pontoon tourist attraction.

The ‘Great Adventures Pontoon’ leaves the Great Barrier Reef for a 37 nautical mile tow to Cairns Port for maintenance and refurbishment.

North Marine’s Commercial Diving Department disconnected and reconnected the pontoon from its secure mooring on the ocean floor as required – while the North Marine Tugboat crew towed the craft to/from the Port of Cairns.

Upon completion of each refit, it is skilfully maneuvered back into place on the Great Barrier Reef.

North Marine’s charter tugboat ‘Gulf Explorer’ is utilised for the pontoon towage operation.

The much-loved tourist attraction hosts guests from all over the world. On an outer reef tour to the Quicksilver pontoon, passengers experience the very best of Australia’s Outer Great Barrier Reef – located in the heart of the Coral Sea –  where it resides for most of the year.

When ready, the tug boat will return the Quicksilver pontoon to its home on the Great Barrier Reef. Ready for another wonderful season of snorkelling, scuba diving, boat tours and scenic helicopter flights.

Following annual maintenance, North Marine’s Commercial Diving Department will reinstall the Quicksilver Pontoon to its pride of place at the iconic ‘Norman Reef’, north of Cairns, QLD.

North Marine Discriminators:

1. Most experienced reef pontoon installation company in Australia
2. Environmentally & socially aware – adept at working in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Queensland waterways and tidal zones
3. A fleet of suitable charter vessels to perform works
4. Local SME business using a local FNQ workforce
5. ISO accredited with first-rate Key Personnel
6. Hold all required operating permits
7. Excellent existing Stakeholder relationships

North Marine tugboat tows Great Barrier Reef Pontoon into Cairns Harbour

Watch as the much-loved Quicksilver pontoon voyages past Cairns Marlin Marina and Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, up Trinity Inlet, in Far North Queensland, Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef pontoon makes its journey with North Marine’s tugboat around the same time every year.