Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Tasmania’s world-class produce will receive another boost with SeaRoad Shipping’s new charter vessel to provide increased capacity for freight across Bass Strait.
This follows yesterday’s announcement from Cathay Pacific that Tasmanian fresh produce will be flown from Hobart to Hong Kong through a seasonal freight service, three times a week, from December to February.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water Guy Barnett said this would provide more opportunities for our primary industries sector.
“Tasmania has what the world wants in fresh premium produce and this is more good news for our primary producers,” Minister Barnett said.
“This new service from Searoad will add more freight opportunities for Tasmania, allowing producers to expand their markets and continue to grow.
“This will build on the significant opportunities delivered through yesterday’s announcement that over 40 tonnes of valuable local produce will be transported on flights from Hobart to Hong Kong, potentially including Tasmanian live lobsters, salmon, live eels, abalone, along with our world-class fruit, chilled dairy and meat.
“Our primary industries sector is world-class and highly sought after right across the world, and these positive announcements will help us achieve our goals, including to grow the value of Tasmania’s agriculture sector to $10 billion a year by 2050, driving investment and creating local jobs, many in regional areas.”
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson welcomed the announcement by SeaRoad, which will deliver more transport options for Tasmanian and mainland businesses.
“This will increase accessibility to Tasmania, with a nearly 70 per cent boost to SeaRoad’s total lane metre capacity,” Minister Ferguson said.
“Importantly, SeaRoad has also indicated future job opportunities for businesses in Tasmania, as capacity increases.”
The new vessel will come online from March next year.
