The AAD has two aluminium jet barges, the Bill Budd and the Peter Gormly, and a dozen Uniflote pontoons in service.

The jet barges are aluminium flat bottom craft propelled by water jets. The Bill Budd’s load capacity is 20 tonnes and the Peter Gormly’s is 30 tonnes. The barges are employed to resupply the stations with supplies and equipment.

The Uniflotes are a flotation system of pontoons developed for the military many years ago. Uniflote barges can be constructed in various configurations to suit the load to be transported. Each pontoon can carry eight tonnes.

All barges are inspected and certified each year for Antarctic operations by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

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