Latest Bruny Island ferry mishap is the result of the State Government’s handling of ferry’s tender process, Labor says

The ferry service at the centre of Bruny Island’s traffic woes has hit another snag, with one of its vessels out of service on Thursday.

THE ferry service at the centre of Bruny Island’s traffic woes has hit another snag with maintenance issues putting a stop to one of its vessels on Thursday.

In a Facebook post, ferry operator Sealink said the Mirambeena vessel would be out of service on Thursday while “repairs continue”.

The Mercury understands the problem is a gearbox issue, first announced on Tuesday when Sealink advised a tug boat would assist the vessel.

Sealink said its two other ferries would operate as “there will likely be queuing”.

The company earlier this month said a delay in the supply of equipment had pushed back the launch date of its long-awaited new ferry, Nairana.

The new Bruny Island ferry, Nairana, doing sea trials on the River Derwent. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

The Nairana was seen undergoing sea trials in the River Derwent on Thursday, but Sealink has yet to reveal when passenger trips will begin.

Labor member for Franklin David O’Byrne said the ferry company’s maintenance issue was the result of the State Government’s mismanagement of the ferry’s tender process.

Labor's David O'Byrne.

“Mechanical issues will occur from time to time, but this again illustrates the botched handling of this service by the government,” he said.

“The tender documents are clear that any operator should have a contingency plan in place to manage circumstances like this.

“This failure has been compounded by Michael Ferguson’s broken promise that the new vessel would be in the water by last Christmas.

“It also highlights the government’s ham-fisted approach and flagrant disregard for this vital link.

“It is Bruny Islanders, businesses and tourists who have to wear the consequences.”

This latest issue comes after the ferry terminal was sent into chaos a day after Boxing Day as hundreds of holiday-makers found themselves waiting in line — some for up to three hours — in a queue that stretched up to 1.5km along the Channel Highway.

Traffic from the terminal was reportedly less congested over the Australia Day long weekend, helped by an additional ferry operating and traffic plan improvements, Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said.

Michael Ferguson. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“It is pleasing that the system worked smoothly and no significant delays or backlogs were experienced over the weekend.” he said. “While the Australia Day long weekend didn’t break the daily crossings record that was set on 27 December, there was still a very high demand experienced.

“The busiest day was January 24 with just over 1000 crossings successfully made to the island with three ferries running and traffic dispersed across the morning and afternoon.”

Sealink was contacted for comment.