Marine Anchorage Drilling for Waterfront & Vessel Infrastructure

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Strengthening the Waterfront for a Historic Vessel

Beards Drilling recently completed specialist marine anchorage drilling services as part of the waterfront improvements at the Port of Townsville. These works formed the foundation for the hardstand area where the HMAS Townsville will be securely positioned for display and preservation.

A Piece of Naval History

The HMAS Townsville (FCPB 205) is a Fremantle-class patrol boat that served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1981 to 2007. At 42 metres long, it was built for coastal patrol, surveillance, and maritime law enforcement. During its service, the vessel played an important role in border protection, fisheries patrols, and humanitarian missions — including Operation Lagoon in Bougainville in 1994 — and was involved in numerous search and rescue operations.


Now retired, the HMAS Townsville is being preserved as a historic landmark, offering the community a lasting reminder of Australia’s maritime heritage.

Hitachi drill rig in possition to begin anchorage drilling services at the Port of Townsville
Beards Drilling in possition to begin anchorage drilling.
The HMAS Townsville, a retired Fremantle-class patrol boat, being carefully towed by a smaller vessel into position for its new display location at the Port of Townsville.
The HMAS Townsville is guided into position at the Port of Townsville as part of waterfront upgrades and preservation works.
Beards Drilling performing marine anchorage drilling services for the construction of hard stands to support the HMAS Townsville display
Drilling for marine hardstands to support the HMAS Townsville's display.
HMAS Townsville –now securely positioned for display and preservation using Beard Drillings marine anchorage drilling services
HMAS Townsville (FCPB 205) is a retired Fremantle-class patrol boat

Precision and Local Expertise

This project required precision anchorage drilling to create strong, durable anchor points capable of supporting the vessel’s weight and withstanding challenging marine conditions. We partnered with local suppliers to deliver high-quality results while supporting the regional economy.

Like every project we take on, the team at Beards Drilling is eager to deliver high-quality marine anchorage drilling services. We are also trusted contractors for a wide range of other drilling solutions, including construction drilling, foundation and reinforcement drilling, drain installation drilling, and blast hole drilling.

On Time, On Point

Our experienced team completed the anchorage works within the agreed timeframe, keeping the Port of Townsville’s upgrade schedule on track. With our marine drilling expertise, local knowledge, and commitment to quality, we delivered a long-lasting solution designed for waterfront environments.

A Piece of Naval History

HMAS Townsville – Protecting Australia’s Waters

The HMAS Townsville with crew on board
The HMAS Townsville and crew. The ship’s company consisted of 22 personnel and was armed with a 40mm Bofors gun, two .50 cal Browning machineguns and an 81mm mortar.
  • Type: Fremantle-class patrol boat
  • Commissioned: 18 July 1981
  • Decommissioned: May 2007
  • Length: 42 metres
  • Service: 1981 – 2007

The HMAS Townsville served in the Royal Australian Navy for over 25 years, undertaking critical roles in border protection, fisheries patrols, and search and rescue operations. It took part in humanitarian missions and was used for the filming of Patrol Boat (1982 television series.)

The ship was donated to the Townsville Maritime Museum for preservation in 2007. After attempts to put the ship on display stalled and the ship fell into disrepair, it was later acquired by Port of Townsville in 2015.

Today the ship is preserved at the Port of Townsville as a historic landmark, giving the community a tangible connection to Australia’s naval heritage.

Partner with Beards Drilling for Your Next Marine Project

Whether you’re in need of precision marine anchorage drilling services for upgrading a port, installing a hardstand, or anchoring marine infrastructure, Beards Drilling has the experience, equipment, and expertise to get the job done right — and on time. Contact us today to discuss your drilling needs and see how we can deliver a strong foundation for your next project.