A great year for TT-Line

TT-Line’s performance this year despite several adverse weather events has been extraordinary.
Passenger numbers have increased to 418,831, up an incredible 27 per cent in a period of just three years since we came to office.
Additionally, the after-tax profit for TT-Line this year was $18.8 million- the second highest profit after-tax result ever achieved.
This was achieved despite several weather-related events directly affecting Spirit sailings, including the June floods and the January storm that saw the Spirit II break free of its moorings at Station Pier.
The strong results are a clear endorsement of the Hodgman Government’s strategy to reinvigorate the Spirits through the complete refurbishment of both vessels, the doubling of day sailings over the three-year period and the reduction in average fare prices.
In even better news, the momentum shows no sign of slowing down. As at mid-November, the total passenger and vehicle bookings held by the Spirits is up nearly seven per cent compared to the same time last year, which equates to nearly 18,000 extra bookings.
The Spirits are an important part of our long term plan for Tasmania as visitors who come to Tasmania via the Spirits stay longer, spend more, and visit more regions than those who arrive by air.
I congratulate TT-Line on their great performance this year, and look forward to more great results in 2017.
Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure