Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Infrastructure
The Hodgman Liberal Government welcomes today’s announcement that SeaLink Travel Group has entered into a contract to build a second new passenger and vehicle ferry for the Bruny Island community.
The $7.5 million vessel will be built by Tasmanian ship builder Richardson Devine Marine (RDM) which is a strong show of confidence in our local advanced manufacturing industry.
SeaLink’s two new vessels will provide a more reliable, efficient and comfortable service, adding new schedules, faster turn around and a greater crossing capacity.
The first new Sealink Bruny Island ferry is underway at RDM and is expected to be delivered in December this year.
We also welcome SeaLink’s decision to explore the possibility of making the second vessel an electric one, which would be the first ferry of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
With our fantastic renewable wind and hydro-electric power available in Tasmania, this would make it an extremely low-emission vessel with hundreds of litres of diesel fuel being saved every week.
This Government’s focus has always been to provide a modern Bruny Island Ferry service that is more efficient and meets the growing needs of all users – residents, businesses and visitors.
We will continue to invest in Tasmania’s infrastructure as our economy grows and more jobs are created.
We welcome Sealink’s ongoing commitment to Tasmania and its significant contribution to the development of the local ship building industry. This includes their investment of more than $30 million over the last five years, building seven new vessels right here in our state.
