An Australian Navy patrol boat has been damaged by fire while undergoing routine maintenance after a massive blaze broke out in a Brisbane shipyard.

Defence has confirmed the Armidale-class patrol boat HMAS Bundaberg “suffered damage” after catching fire about noon.

The 70 foot ship, undergoing repairs in the dry dock is well alight. (Supplied)

A ship and shed are on fire at a Brisbane shipyard. (Source)

Fire crews rushed to Barku Court, Hemmant, after reports of thick, black smoke billowing from a dockside shed. More than 55 firefighters battled the blaze for several hours, with several donning breathing apparatus to enter the vessel.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Service spokesman said firefighters’ efforts were hampered because of the levels of heat inside the shed and the aluminium hulled Bundaberg.

Two civilian contractors, understood to have been working inside the shed at the time of the fire, were treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics.

Defence said the 56.8m long vessel was “undergoing maintenance at a civilian contractor site” when the blaze broke out.

“No members of the Navy crew were injured in the incident,” a spokeswoman said.

“The cause of the fire is not known at this time - an assessment of damage and an investigation into the cause of the fire will be undertaken once it is safe to do so.”

The Royal Australian Navy operates 14 Armidale-class patrol boats which can reach a speed of 25 knots – or 46km/h – and are used for a range of duties.