The high-density polyethylene (HDPE) vessels combine the best of materials technology with Australian design ingenuity and an innate knowledge of local conditions.

HDPE is our boatbuilding material of choice for The Sentinel family of tactical defence vessels, not least because it’s so hard to break, and so easy to repair.

Any damage can be patched in situ, with no specialised equipment or hot works required.

HDPE’s combination of safety, durability and performance make the vessels perfect for tactical applications.

They feature a highly configurable layout and can be fully networked with the latest software for intelligent invigilation and autonomous operation.

HDPE’s shock-absorbing, vibration-dampening properties mean the vessels can achieve maximum speed with minimal personnel fatigue, while compromising nothing in execution and handling.

The Sentinel range is the next evolution of PFG and One2three’s decades of experience pioneering HDPE marine products and workboats, tried and tested in punishing Southern Ocean environments.

From design to manufacture to end-of-life recycling, the Sentinel is a truly Australian vessel crafted for the highest level of strategic operations and emergency response – when failure is not an option.

We will be at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition in Brisbane 4-6th October, where our CEO Robert Inches will demonstrate the reparability  of HDPE.

The video below demonstrates the repair of HDPE

The post REPAIRING HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE) appeared first on PFG.

Eleven Australian innovators from both the defence and civil sectors have been shortlisted for the prestigious Innovation Awards, worth $30,000, with three other Tasmanian companies as finalists.

The entry centred around High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) as a ‘next generation’ boat building material, PFG’s use of which is understood to be a world-first for defence. HDPE has been proven to deliver advantages in industrial and workboat outcomes for over 30 years, and while we pioneered this in the southern hemisphere, our main goal has been to incorporate this material into a high-performing naval craft. In order to achieve this, we have been required to develop a deep working knowledge of the material, highly innovative methods of construction, and a strong partnership with design teams and end-users.

This introduction and adoption of HDPE as a boat building material for tactical watercraft for the application in the defence industry, is the reason we have been short-listed for the Indo Pacific 2022 National and SME Innovation Awards.

The winners will be announced at a special online event on 26 April and receive their Awards during the Indo Pacific 2022 International Maritime Exposition at Sydney’s International Convention Centre (ICC) at Darling Harbour.

PFG would like to congratulate all other short-listed organisations and look forward to updating you on the outcome after the winners are announced.

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Hobart based boat builder PFG, today announced that through an open Tender process, it had secured a contract valued at approximately $6 million with the New Zealand Defence Force to design and construct three 12.5 metre, high-speed Littoral Manoeuvre Craft (LMC). These watercraft, will be fully constructed from next generation boat building material, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

PFG’s Chief Executive Officer, Rob Inches said today that the awarding of the contract was recognition of over 25 years’ experience the company has had in the building of durable and safe high-performance boats.

We have been building boats with HDPE for over 25 years, mainly for use in the aquaculture industry. However, with our Sentinel Tactical Watercraft branded boats, we have had success more recently in the police and emergency services sectors”, Mr Inches stated.

“Our boats are renowned for being virtually indestructible, can’t corrode or suffer from electrolyses and renown don’t ever require painting resulting in comparably low whole of life costs.

“The boat hulls are 100% recyclable, and of course being built in Tasmania, they are constructed using 100% renewable energy. We are also delighted that we have been able to partner with New Zealand industry with the inclusion of the highly renowned Hamilton Jet water propulsion units and General Marine Services of Auckland who are both major equipment suppliers and sustainment partners for the program.

“Due to the design excellence of a partner naval architects, One2Three of Sydney, and PFG’s craftmanship in building quality, the boats perform to a very high level, offering strength, reliability, manoeuvrability and crew safety that is unmatched in this class of craft.

“We are also proud that these craft are being built in a region such as Tasmania, a State with a boat building heritage stretching back over 200 years,” Mr Inches said.

“The LMC’s will provide the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) with an improved ability to detect and respond to underwater threats, support expeditionary reconnaissance and provide an agile platform for the transport of troops and materiel.

“It is also important that the LMCs are capable of performing multiple roles and tasks and be able to operate in a forward command role as required.

“We are proud of our Sentinel craft and proud of the team we have assembled who will deliver them. We are also delighted to work with the RNZN to develop a boat that will set a new bench mark in meeting the needs of a modern defence force,” Mr Inches said.

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World Champion Axeman, David Foster OAM took a swing at high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to see if he could break through the tough material.

The aluminium buckled significantly and came close to tearing. Apart from scuff marks, the HDPE remained unblemished.

We make all our tactical watercraft out of HDPE.

A superior marine construction material due to its everlasting strength without corrosion.

HDPE construction material absorbs vibration, which enhances benefits to the crew and passengers.

• There is no corrosion or electrolysis
• The material is easy to maintain, which improves availability and reliability
• HDPE lasts four times longer than aluminium

Built to withstand the harshest environments our boats are so durable that the first vessel built back in 1994 remains in commercial survey.

See how HDPE stands up against aluminium in the video below.

The post WHAT DO WORLD CHAMPION AXEMAN DAVID FOSTER AND THE SENTINEL TACTICAL WATERCRAFT HAVE IN COMMON? appeared first on PFG.