The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to attracting more passengers on the Spirit of Tasmania ferries to grow tourism and create jobs.
Premier Will Hodgman said today the signing of a contract for the refurbishment of both ships over the coming winter represents a major step forward in achieving the Government’s plan.
“This $31.5 million project will touch every aspect of the passenger experience aboard the Spirit of Tasmania ferries, making voyages more enjoyable, particularly for day sailings,” Mr Hodgman said.
“By enhancing the facilities, including the food and beverage offerings, we will entice even more people to travel on the Spirits.
“The Spirits will play a critical role in realising this Government’s vision of attracting 1.5 million visitors a year to our State by 2020, and will also ensure that regional Tasmania shares in the benefits.”
Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said the refurbishments were a major element of the business plan requested by the Government to grow passenger numbers.
“Marine refurbishment specialist Trimline will be the ‘turnkey’ contractor for the project, which will be substantially undertaken from Devonport, where the company has already established a project office,” Mr Hidding said.
“Importantly, not only will much of the work occur in Tasmania, we expect at least 50 per cent will go to local businesses, meaning this investment will help create employment for local people.
“We expect both ferries will be fully refurbished by the end of August, with very limited disruption to passenger services while the work is underway.”
Trimline chief executive officer Andrew Richards said the company was thrilled to have won the project.
“We believe our success was due to understanding TT-Line’s specific needs and meeting them, including setting up a local office in Devonport,” Mr Richards said.
“This project will deliver unprecedented levels of comfort to their passengers and represents a huge vote of confidence in Trimline, confirming that we are a world leader in marine refurbishment.
“We also recognise the importance of TT-Line to the local community and economy and will be looking to support local businesses wherever we can.”
The refurbishments will include:
• New restaurant area offering a fresh selection of dishes including a Tasmanian signature dish of the day;
• New grab and go shop offering a wide range of convenient food and beverage options and Tasmanian products;
• Two new cinemas screening latest release movies;
• Fully refurbished accommodation lounge with brand new recliners, more spacious seating layout and added comfort;
• Fully refurbished Deluxe Cabins and new soft furnishings in all other cabins;
• Fully refurbished upper decks with family entertainment, including a kids zone and teen areas;
• New bars with more open space and lounge areas, showcasing Tasmanian wines, ciders and beers along with a variety of bar snacks;
• New internal decor, lighting and colour schemes throughout the ships; and
• Upgraded tourist information hub.
Will Hodgman, Premier Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure Andrew Richards, CEO, Trimline
