Vision for electric-powered Bruny Island ferries as upgrades aim to help cope with island’s ever-growing popularity

A second new Bruny Island ferry could be the first electric vessel in the southern hemisphere, say the operators.

Sealink’s chief executive and managing director Jeff Ellison in front of the beginning of a new passenger and car ferry for Bruny Island being built by Richardson Devine Marine in Goodwood. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

A SECOND new Bruny Island ferry could be the first electric vessel in the southern hemisphere, say the operators.

SeaLink has awarded a contract to local ship builder Richardson Devine Marine, which will build a $7.5m vessel to replace the ageing Mirambeena, who will be retired.

A previously announced new ferry is already under construction and is due for delivery in December ahead of the busy summer season.

The beginning of construction of a new car and passenger ferry for Bruny Island being built for Sealink by Richardson Devine Marine. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

SeaLink chief Jeff Ellison said the company had undertaken a feasibility study to consider whether the service would be suitable as the first electric vessel in the southern hemisphere.

“With fantastic hydro-electric power available in Tasmania, it will ensure the vessel operated 100 per cent on clean energy and renewable energy,” he said.

“Our initial investigations are very positive and our intention is to talk further with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.”

Mr Ellison said the company’s long term vision was to have both new ferries one day running off renewable power.

Toby Richardson, left, and Ron Devine from Richardson Devine Marine with Sealink chief executive Jeff Ellison. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

SeaLink won the licence to operate the ferry service to Bruny last year and has been plagued with teething issues trying to introduce a booking system and coping with high demand.

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Mr Ellison said the company would have up to four ferries available in southern Tasmania during peak demand and the introduction of a booking system was being managed through consultation with a ferry reference committee.

Work will also begin later this month on new public toilets at the Cape Bruny Lighthouse visitor site on the south island.

A new four-cubicle wheelchair accessible toilet facility is the first of a series of site improvements planned for the Cape Bruny Lighthouse over the next few years.

Visitor numbers to that site have been increasing over the last decade to reach 160,000 in the year ending March 2018.

Upgrades for Bruny Island Main Rd are also scheduled to start later in the year.

The State Government is spending $6 million to continue sealing the island’s main thoroughfare.