New $10m Port Phillip vessel launched for Portarlington-Docklands service

A NEW Port Phillip ferry with a cafe, bike storage and free Wi-Fi has been unveiled by high-profile Melbourne businessman Paul Little.

A NEW Port Phillip ferry with a cafe, bike storage and free Wi-Fi has been unveiled by high-profile Melbourne businessman Paul Little.

The $10 million Bellarine Express was completed by Incat boat builders in Hobart last week and was officially launched at Docklands.

Incat owner Robert Clifford with the Bellarine Express in Hobart.

The 35m-long catamaran will operate on the Portarlington-Docklands service seven days a week from next year.

The vessel can carry 405 passengers and Mr Little hopes the licensed cafe and bicycle racks will attract more commuters and tourists.

The service has won approval for higher speeds at the mouth of the Yarra River, ­cutting seven minutes off the 90-minute journey time.

The boat could also run on a service between Geelong and Station Pier service if that was seen to be viable.

Port Phillip Ferries’ Paul Little. Picture: Alison Wynd

A new terminal is being considered at Station Pier as are new routes on the Yarra, with the aim for a commuter service between Chapel St and Flinders St station.

Mr Little said his vision was for passenger ferries to become an everyday part of Victorian life.

New $10m Port Phillip ferry, Bellarine Express, ready for launch. https://t.co/HbEa74VIqD pic.twitter.com/AcgVGlcejE

— Ian Royall (@IanRoyall) December 20, 2017

“When customers experience the ease and pleasure of ferry transport I am sure ­demand for it will increase,” he said.

The new vessel would be smoother and more comfortable for passengers, he said.

It also has charging stations for electronic devices and small meeting tables for customers to do business.

Bellarine Express, the new vessel made by Incat for Port Phillip Ferries. Pic: Port Phillip Ferries

“Not only is the Bellarine Express environmentally friendly, featuring the latest in low-emission engines, but following sea trials, which we will conduct over the next few weeks, we hope to be able to shave seven minutes off each journey from Docklands to Portarlington,” Mr Little said.

The vessel will start taking passengers next month.

Governor Linda Dessau officially christened the ­Bellarine Express at Victoria Harbour on Thursday.

The state government was also encouraging Port Phillip Ferries to look at possible routes to the eastern side of the bay and Mornington ­Peninsula.

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