Water and fire don't generally mix but the latest addition to Brisbane's CityCat network will put that to the test.
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The city's 21st CityCat, Gilwunpa, will be launched at South Bank on Wednesday morning bearing the colours of the Queensland Firebirds netball team.
It has continued the tradition of naming the vessels after Brisbane regions in local indigenous languages, with Gilwunpa representing Nundah.
But Gilwunpa was also the first CityCat to wear the colours of a Brisbane sporting team.
The Firebirds were well in the hunt for silverware as they prepared for the Australian conference final of the 2015 trans-Tasman netball championship in Brisbane this weekend.
Firebirds captain Laura Geitz said the CityCat would help lift her team's profile in the river city.
"This is a wonderfully visual way to showcase the Queensland Firebirds to the broader community, residents and visitors to Brisbane," she said.
"So far in the ANZ Championship season we have 10 straight wins under our belt, hold the Challenge Trophy and sit on top of the Australian conference ladder so it has been an amazing season.
"We are now focused on bring the championship trophy home to Queensland as we head into the Australian conference final this Sunday at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at Boondall."
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the Gilwunpa would be the first of nine sports-themed CityCats.
"The new, vibrant designs will depict teams such as the Queensland Bulls, Brisbane Broncos, Queensland Firebirds, Queensland Reds, Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Roar and Brisbane International Tennis," he said.
"Sport is an integral part of our identity, so we are delighted to display the iconic Queensland Firebirds livery on Gilwunpa to show the world how proud we are of our prestigious sporting heritage."
Cr Quirk said the 25-metre Gilwunpa CityCat would provide a significant boost to the ferry network.
"In 2013-14 more than 6 million people accessed council's ferry network for commuting and sightseeing, and by the 30th of June the fleet will service 25 terminals covering a distance of 21 kilometres from Northshore Hamilton through to UQ St Lucia," he said.
Brisbane's eight first-generation CityCats were also set for an upgrade, with a $1.1 million to be allocated in the council's 2015-16 budget to be handed down on June 17.
"This will extend the working life of these vessels by a further 10 years, on top of almost two decades already served," he said.
"These vessels have been maintained to an exceptional standard, and the modifications will further revitalise the fleet for the safety and enjoyment of commuters.
"Works will include modifications to increase their passenger capacity, replacing of the engines, reseating, repainting, and updating electrical components with newer more advanced systems.
"As each CityCat completes its relife program, it will be wrapped in a unique skin portraying each of the city's sporting teams, capturing our love of sport and reflecting Team Brisbane."
