
Cockatoo Docks & Engineering Company's shipbuilding and dock facilities are truly impressive. The company's comprehensive facilities are designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients.
With a total of 12 berths, the facilities can accommodate a wide range of vessels, from small ferries to large cruise ships. The berths are strategically located to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
The company's dry dock is 400 meters long and 60 meters wide, allowing for the repair and maintenance of large vessels. It's a sight to behold, and a testament to the company's commitment to excellence.
The facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and equipment, ensuring that every vessel that docks receives top-notch care.
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Shipbuilding
The Cockatoo Island Dockyard has a rich history of shipbuilding, with a wide range of vessels laid down over the years. From 1912 to 1916, the dockyard built several River-class torpedo-boat destroyers, including HMAS Huon, HMAS Swan, and HMAS Torrens.

One notable achievement was the construction of HMAS Huon, the first steel warship built completely in Australia. It was built between 1912 and 1916.
The dockyard also built several Tribal-class destroyers, including HMAS Arunta, HMAS Bataan, and HMAS Warramunga, between 1938 and 1942. These ships played a significant role in World War II.
The Cockatoo Island Dockyard was also responsible for building several Bathurst-class corvettes, including HMAS Bathurst, HMAS Bendigo, HMAS Glenelg, and HMAS Goulburn, between 1940 and 1942.
Here's a list of some of the notable ships built at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard:
- HMAS Huon (1912-1916)
- HMAS Arunta (1938-1942)
- HMAS Bataan (1938-1942)
- HMAS Warramunga (1938-1942)
- HMAS Bathurst (1940-1942)
- HMAS Bendigo (1940-1942)
- HMAS Glenelg (1940-1942)
- HMAS Goulburn (1940-1942)
The dockyard also built several other notable ships, including the lighthouse tender HMAS Cape Leeuwin, built between 1924 and 1925, and the floating crane Titan, fabricated in the United Kingdom and assembled at the dockyard between 1916 and 1919.
Dockyard Facilities
The Cockatoo Dockyard facilities underwent significant evolution to meet the needs of its customers and changing technology. This transformation happened over a period of about five decades.
Development at the dockyard occurred in four or five distinct periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ships were built on Cockatoo Island?
Over 290 ships were built on Cockatoo Island during its 116-year shipbuilding history. The island's shipyard produced a wide range of vessels, including complex warships.
What was the last ship built at Cockatoo Island?
The last ship built at Cockatoo Island was HMAS Success, a large naval vessel launched in 1984. Decommissioned in 2019, it was a notable Australian maritime achievement.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockatoo_Docks_%26_Engineering_Company
- https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Cockatoo_Docks_%26_Engineering_Company
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockatoo_Island_Dockyard
- https://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/en/learn/island-history/defence-of-australia/
- https://navyhistory.au/naval-heritage-sites/cockatoo-island/the-dockyard-era/
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