General News
23 November, 2025
$1.7m Reef boat ‘rocks’
THE “rock chick” of Great Barrier Reef boats is back plying the waters of the Coral Sea.
Quicksilver’s Port Douglas-based dive and snorkel catamaran Silversonic has re-entered service on the Reef following an extensive $1.66 million refit, unveiling a striking new look and new generation engines.
After nearly three months out of the water, the 29m catamaran now shines with a sleek aluminium finish and is powered by two new Rolls-Royce mtu 2000 Series engines, compliant with sustainable marine fuels.
Quicksilver Group managing director Tony Baker said the transformation of the vessel into the “rock chick” reflected both innovation and long-term commitment to sustainable operations.
“This refit was a major undertaking and a credit to our incredible engineering team and local marine contractors,” he said.
“Silversonic, not only looks fantastic, but will also operate more efficiently, with reduced emissions and improved performance – helping future-proof our fleet for years to come.”
The major exterior makeover stripped back to shining aluminium, is a nod to her name and Quicksilver’s signature flagship wave-piercing catamarans.
This latest investment completes the transition of Quicksilver’s Port Douglas outer reef fleet to sustainable fuel-ready engines, reinforcing the company’s leading role in environmentally responsible marine tourism on the Great Barrier Reef.
Quicksilver operations general manager Travis Clarke said the upgraded engines also brought operational benefits.
“Our vessels Quicksilver VIII, Quicksilver V, Silversonic and Poseidon now share the same engine series, improving efficiency and allowing easier maintenance across the fleet. It’s a win for sustainability and for smart operations,” he said.
Designed for adventure and comfort, Silversonic carries up to 90 guests (despite capacity for 130) to explore three spectacular Agincourt ribbon reef sites daily. Two air conditioned decks, a spacious dive platform, sun decks and a state-of-the-art ride control system ensure guests enjoy a smooth and unforgettable Reef experience.
Located on the edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, the world-renowned Agincourt ribbon reefs are celebrated for their crystal-clear waters, spectacular corals and abundant marine life, offering some of the very best day boat diving and snorkelling experiences on the Reef.
Silversonic has exclusive permits to visit over 35 World Heritage Agincourt reef sites, as well as a permit to swim with minke whales if encountered.
About the new engines: Silversonic was repowered with two new generation Rolls-Royce mtu 2000 series commercial marine engines (10V2000M72) – certified for HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and other synthetically produced diesel fuels, and new ZF marine gearboxes.
The repowering also included mtu’s Blue Vision monitoring and control system, and panels. This advanced system allows remote monitoring and access from a mobile device or connected device onshore, or anywhere in the world, to see real time stats on the engines as they operate.
Read More: Port Douglas
