New Tourism vessel Spirit of the Wild arrives in Strahan on Tasmania’s West Coast

A NEW vessel to ply the Gordon River, already dubbed the James Bond boat, is being welcomed in its home port of Strahan today.

The RACT’s new Gordon River Cruises vessel — Spirit of the Wild — will be officially welcomed into her home port of Strahan today.

Already dubbed the “James Bond boat” by some in the Tasmanian tourism industry, the vessel will depart on its first commercial voyage on June 16.

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The RACT said it was pleased that the new vessel would come online during a strong period of tourism growth including on the State’s West Coast.

New Gordon River Cruises vessel Spirit of the Wild in Hobart last month. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

The company says the introduction of the new vessel was expected to deliver a boost for the region’s economy by bringing more visitors to the west coast.

The Spirit of the Wild, named and christened by Tasmanian Governor Kate Warner, and is very different to the more traditional vessel which has been taking tourists up the Gordon River for the past 12 years.

The retired Lady Jane Franklin II will be sold.

Spirit of the Wild was built by Prince of Wales Bay shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine.

It is the first commercial passenger vessel of its size in the southern hemisphere to be fitted with both diesel and electric motors.

This means the vessel will be quieter and have less vibration than the Jane Franklin because of its hybrid diesel-electric system. It also has floor-to-ceiling windows and a 360-degree view rooftop deck.