NEW South Wales’ fleet of hazardous materials vessels, now 15 years old, is being replaced with 19 new, locally made vessels.

The $1.58-million fleet is part of the NSW government’s $18.6-million investment in Fire and Rescue NSW’s Fleet Replacement Program 2024-25.

The HAZMAT vessels are built to help limit oil, diesel and other pollutant spills in the state’s waterways. They offer larger and more stable platforms for crews to operate from, the government said.

Each vessel can tow and deploy absorbent and containment booms to limit hazardous spills. They also carry specialised equipment designed to contain and recover contaminants, reducing environmental harm during an incident.

An initial three vessels have been delivered to locations in Bathurst, Newcastle and Shellharbour.

Additional units will be delivered to locations including Batemans Bay, Berkeley Vale, Broken Hill, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Eden, Goonellabah, Leeton, Lithgow, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Tweed Heads and Wagga Wagga over coming months.

The state government said the new vessels are “strategically located” and able to be deployed at any time, with response times of under two hours.

They are also fitted with emissions technology using “the most efficient controls available” to help limit their environmental impact.

Emergency services minister Jihad Dib the new vessels are safer for crewmembers.

“Over coming months, these vessels will be positioned across the state in locations that enable rapid deployment, helping protect our waterways from hazardous materials and pollutants,” he said.

Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW Jeremy Fewtrell said the upgrades would help strengthen Fire and Rescue NSW’s response as the combat agency for HAZMAT.

“HAZMAT operators undergo rigorous training to meet the Australian Maritime Safety Authority standards, ensuring our crews are equipped with the best practices and tools to tackle complex maritime incidents,” he said.

Training is planned for teams in Berkeley Vale by the end of the year with the remaining boats to be rolled out by June 2025.