New TT–Line ferries a $100m boon for local business: Here’s who will cash in

The TT-Line’s two new ferries are proving lucrative work for local companies a year before they are delivered. Here are the firms that have managed to secure a plum contract.

TT-Line's Managing Director Bernard Dwyer, Richard Fader from Tasmanian Shipping Supplies and Transport and Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson speak to the media at Tasmanian Shipping Supplies in Hobart on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

The two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries are not due for delivery until next year, but Tasmanian companies are already benefiting from participating in the fit-out and supply of the vessels.

Transport Minister Michael Ferguson announced local suppliers Tasmanian Shipping Supplies had been awarded a million-dollar contract for hotel and catering supplies.

They join firms sharing in $100m worth of work including Norfolk Blinds, Tasmanian Independent Brewing Supplies and Handmark Gallery.

Mr Ferguson told parliament the new vessels would provide a huge boon for the Bass Strait service with 3.7km worth of vehicle lane capacity.

“Those two ships are now under construction. They will have about 40 per cent more capacity,” he said.

“Those ships will carry 1800 passengers a day … meaning more people will be able to bring their car to enjoy our beautiful state.

“All of that 3.7km will be overheight for caravans and campervans, so we can have fewer people struggling to get access to the ships … that is about a 70 per cent increase for overheight capacity, which we often hear about from our constituents.

“This in itself is a game-changer for the Spirits.”

TT-Line managing director Bernard Dwyer said passenger numbers on the ships were currently booming.

TT-Line's Managing Director Bernard Dwyer speaks to the media at Tasmanian Shipping Supplies in Hobart on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

“We are flat out at the moment. So we have got more doubles (addition day sailings) happening this year than we have, through Covid, but even in the year before that,” he said.

“Compared to the 2018–19 year, we’re about we’re in excess of 40 per cent improvement on that year before Covid.

“So we’re anticipating a record year for passengers in this current year, without looking forward even to the to the bookings that we’ve got already 12 months out.”

Richard Fader from Tasmanian Shipping Supplies said the company was pleased to be supplying the new vessel, as they had for the new Antarctic division vessel Nuyina.

“One of the big parts that we’re supplying are that all the mattresses for the vessel, which I’m pleased to announce will be manufactured in Tasmania,” he said.

“It’s quite unusual to have three vessels of this size delivered to Tasmania as new builds within a sort of four year period and the skills that Tasmanians have to deliver that equipment and manufacture that equipment to support those vessels is incredible.”

Originally published as New TT–Line ferries a $100m boon for local business: Here’s who will cash in