With its existing vessel damaged beyond repair, Australian ferry and marine tourism operator Sealink asked local builder Calibre Marine to provide a vessel that was capable of taking passengers for tour rides in the main stream and tributaries of the Murray River.
The vessel also needed to be capable to operate as the ship's tender for supplies, shore access and manoeuvring the mothership.
Willow operates as a tender to the Murray Princess, which is the largest inland paddle wheeler in the southern hemisphere. Catering for just 120 passengers, she brings the unique advantages of small ship cruising to the remarkable setting of Australia's outback.
Willow's daily duties can be from conducting joy rides and eco tours for guests to running supplies for the Princess and pushing up to help the large vessel manoeuvre.
A full review of Willow will appear in the July/August issue of Ausmarine magazine.
