The 16 metre retired NSW Police Force vessel was completely refurbished at Birdon Marine near Port Macquarie for the rescue role. It has also been renamed, Lord Howe 40 and is now officially the largest vessel in the Marine Rescue NSW fleet.

Fearless arrived at Birdon's shipyard in late February this year, according to Birdon spokeswoman Lauren Benson.

"The vessel will undergo extensive sea trials in Port Macquarie before it makes the journey to Lord Howe Island," she said.

"The refurbishment included stripping and replacing the interior, building a new wheelhouse console, renewing the flybridge console, installing new electronics, mechanical overhaul, full external repaint, and removing, inspecting and aligning the shafts and propellers.

"These upgrades mean Marine Rescue has a more comfortable, reliable and modern vessel to support the volunteers saving lives on the water.

"The electronic upgrades provide substantial operational improvements including being able to monitor conditions from inside the vessel."

In its past life the former police vessel took part in the chase of drug trafficking cargo boat, Pong Su in 2003.

Fearless also undertook search and rescue operations in the Bass Strait with the Victoria Police from 2006.

It was decommissioned and sold in 2018 before being acquired by Marine Rescue NSW in February this year.

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