REPLACING THE FERRIES

A TASMANIAN GREENS POLICY INITIATIVE . Launched by Nick McKim MP CREATE OUR February 2014 OWN FUTURE

Authorised by Nick McKim MP, Parliament House, `

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State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens Level 1, 162 Macquarie Street, Hobart, 7000

Postal Address: Parliament House, Hobart, 7000 Phone: (03) 6233 8300 Fax: (03) 6223 1406 E-mail: [email protected]

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Tasmanian Greens Policy Initiative: Strait Cat: Replacing the Bass Strait Ferries | Issued on 16 February 2014 | Authorised by Nick McKim MP, Parliament House, Hobart Page 2 of 4

REPLACING THE BASS STRAIT FERRIES Assessing a New-Generation Fast Catamaran for Bass Strait

The Tasmanian Greens will undertake a feasibility study for a new- generation fast catamaran to replace the Bass Strait ferries.

TT Line provides one of the key links between Tasmania and mainland for both passenger and freight services. With • For example, Incat are currently working on developing a both current TT Line ships due for replacement in 2017, it is 130m fast catamaran ferry, the ‘Ecoship 130’. This is a new important that the most efficient and effective options for generation fuel efficient, lightweight fast catamaran replacement are canvassed in time to allow new ships to be built. The Tasmanian Greens will fully assess the potential for • A fast speed dual hull vehicle running twice daily could returning high speed passenger and freight services to Bass revolutionise Bass Strait freight. Strait. • We have local successful designers and builders of fast cats, > THE ISSUE which are then exported to buyers in Europe, the US and Asia. These designs are tested and proven. • The current Spirit of Tasmania ships are due to be replaced in 2017 and no decision has yet been made as to their • Catamarans offer fast travel times, quick turnaround capacity, replacement. improved passenger capacity, flexibility in vehicle layout and

deck usage, all contributing to efficient commercial benefits. • Despite the TT-Line’s Vessel Replacement and Procurement

Committee’s final ship replacement proposal and advice being th • with the Infrastructure Minister since the 19 of December We believe that the stability problems encountered by 2013, following a summary being provided mid 2013, both previous high speed ferry services could be resolved provided major parties have delayed putting forward a plan until after a vessel of suitable size and technological advancement is the March election. procured.

• • Tasmanians, state tourism operators and local producers Current wave-piercing ships up to 112m long are successfully require and deserve a speedy resolution. They require operating internationally. security and ability to forward plan. The taxpayer also deserves to know that the state-owned TT-Line will be able to • Wave Piercing Catamarans have been used in a variety of meet its financial and service responsibilities. oceanic conditions over the last two decades globally. These include military and naval operations, humanitarian • A high speed crossing could give Tasmanian suppliers the operations, as well as domestic and international passenger capacity to have local produce harvested in the morning arrive transport. For example, a high speed catamaran was utilised in ’s markets on the same day. by the Australian Navy in 1999 between Darwin and Dili (over 900 nautical miles in under 24 hours), transporting personnel • TT Line serves as a key element of Tasmania’s tourism brand and equipment as part of the United Nations Transitional and ensuring the service retains its reliability is core to its Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). continued success. The Tasmanian Greens believe that increasing the speed and ease of crossing could increase its • Devonport to Melbourne is 232 nautical miles. market penetration and user experience.

• As Tasmania possesses one of the world’s foremost Catamaran builders in Incat, the Greens believe that it is logical to investigate the option of a high speed catamaran to replace the current TT-Line monohulls, including the possibility of a locally constructed vessel. Tasmanian Greens Policy Initiative: Strait Cat: Replacing the Bass Strait Ferries | Issued on 16 February 2014 | Authorised by Nick McKim MP, Parliament House, Hobart Page 3 of 4

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> OUR PLAN

• The Tasmanian Greens would commit $100 000 to investigating the feasibility of running a large catamaran on a high speed Bass Strait crossing. “Tasmania can solve its

• Considering the size of the replacement purchase, the own challenges if we Tasmanian Greens would prefer to see the funds spent within Tasmania, driving investment in skills and high value back ourselves in. This manufacturing. proposal could deliver

local jobs, revolutionise • The Tasmanian Greens believe that appropriate research needs to be conducted in the near future to ensure that TT- . Bass Strait freight, and Line is prepared for the retirement of their existing fleet. showcase Tasmanian • Our feasibility study would investigate a range of factors that may impact on the practicality or functionality of using a high innovation to the world. speed, high tech, dual-hull ship including:

o Available routes: assessing the various available options to ensure the most efficient or effective use of resources. Our preferred option is to retain the ferry service running out of Devonport. o Dimensions: a range of size, speed and weight options would be assessed to provide for the most functional vessel to meet Tasmania’s passenger and freight requirements. o Frequency: the capacity of the vessel to make return crossings in one day would be assessed to ensure that freight and passenger capacity was retained. o Cost: ensuring that a high speed catamaran is a cost effective alternative to other potential replacement options.

> TABLE 1: Initiative Expenditure/Investment

2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2013-14 Forward Forward Forward Budget Estimate Estimate Estimate $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Feasibility study 100 - - -

Tasmanian Greens Policy Initiative: Strait Cat: Replacing the Bass Strait Ferries | Issued on 16 February 2014 | Authorised by Nick McKim MP, Parliament House, Hobart Page 4 of 4