Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
TT-Line carried a record volume of freight last financial year, playing a crucial role in transporting goods and produce across the Bass Strait during the pandemic.
The freight volumes carried by the ships were higher than usual due to increased capacity on board with fewer passengers.
We know the company was heavily impacted by COVID-19, probably to the greatest extent of any Government business, with an 88 per cent decrease in passenger numbers in the last quarter of 2019-20.
However, during this incredibly tough time, TT-Line continued to provide a vital service, safely moving people, freight and food between Tasmania and the mainland, and maintaining its premium ‘last to leave, first to arrive’ freight service.
The company was able to return a profit of $32.9 million, which was lower than the previous year due to travel and border restrictions.
Despite the enormous impact COVID-19 has had, the total sailings were only slightly down, at 842 in 2019-20, compared to 867 in 2018-19.
With interstate travel restrictions easing around the country, we are seeing an uplift in bookings, and we look forward to continuing to welcome visitors into Tasmania through the summer months.
CEO Bernard Dwyer and his team have done an outstanding job, safely providing this vital service throughout the year.
Feedback from customers about the travel experience continues to be very positive, with an average score of 94 out of 100.
TT-Line has a bright future, and we look forward to the Spirit of Tasmania’s Victorian port move to Corio Quay, which will future-proof the service, increase freight capacity and provide access to secondary tourism markets from New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
