Search for a shipbuilder as SeaLink opens bids for Bruny ferries

A TRIO of Tasmanian shipbuilders have been invited to consider building the first of two new ferries that will operate between Kettering and Bruny Island from next year.

SeaLink has released a request for tender, calling for shipbuilders to submit their bids to build the first vessel for the Bruny Island run. Picture: SEALINK

THREE Tasmanian shipbuilders have been invited to consider building the first of two new Bruny Island ferries that will operate from next year.

SeaLink Travel Group will operate ferry services between Bruny Island and Kettering for the next decade. It plans to use current ferry, the Mirambeena, and one of its own vessels from Queensland after its September 23 takeover.

MORE: TWO NEW FERRIES FOR BRUNY FERRY ROUTE

But the company plans to replace the Mirambeena with two new ferries, worth more than $10 million, with the first to be delivered in the second half of next year and the other in the first half of 2021.

SeaLink has released a request for tender, calling for shipbuilders to submit their bids to build the first vessel.

SeaLink chief executive Jeff Ellison said the company had invited three Tasmanian shipbuilding yards to consider the specifications, along with two other Australian yards.

“The first of the new vessels will be a 45-metre vehicle and passenger barge that will include a vehicle deck for 36 to 40 cars, a passenger lounge for 80 people, twin helms for convenience for crew and passengers and the latest technology in drive systems,” he said.

Ron Devine, of Goodwood shipyard Richardson Devine Marine, said SeaLink had been one of its major clients for the past five years.

“We are particularly interested to see if we can build the new vessels in Hobart and look forward to seeing the [request for tender],” he said.

However, it will be some time before SeaLink considers the final design and capability of the second vessel.

The ferries are expected to offer up to 38 return crossings a day during peak season, up from the current 19.

There will also be an online booking system, which will be introduced during this month’s school holidays.

Residents have opposed the booking system and are calling for a priority lane.

MORE: BRUNY ISLAND RESIDENTS WANT DEDICATED LANE

A public meeting on the new service will be held tomorrow at the Barnes Bay CWA Hall.

A Bruny Island ferry reference committee is also being established to facilitate community workshops in the coming weeks.