Bass Strait services unaffected as TasPorts prepares for industrial action

The action relates to eligible employees working in Launch Master and Vessel Traffic Services roles. It includes a four-hour work stoppage on Saturday morning and a range of ongoing work bans affecting marine operations.

TasPorts has reviewed the notified actions against scheduled vessel movements and confirmed the contingency arrangements available.

Based on TasPorts' current assessment, the high-frequency Bass Strait freight and passenger services operating through Burnie and Devonport are not expected to be affected. Other pilot-exempt vessels operating through these ports are also expected to continue however maybe subject to some scheduling issues based on the extent of the industrial action.

Vessels requiring pilotage and TasPorts-provided launch services will face the following restrictions while the industrial action remains in place:

• At Burnie, Devonport and Bell Bay, these movements will be limited to between 6.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.
• In Hobart, launch services will be unavailable from 6.00am on Saturday until further notice, affecting pilot launch transfers and bridge transit escort services.

With contingency arrangements in place, Vessel Traffic Services monitoring and coordination functions are not currently expected to be affected.

TasPorts Chief Executive Officer Captain Allan Gray said TasPorts was focused on maintaining safe operations and minimising disruption to customers and Tasmania's trade.

"We have worked through the notified actions in detail and put contingency arrangements in place to maintain services wherever it is safe and practical to do so," Captain Gray said.

"Importantly, Tasmania's high-frequency Bass Strait freight and passenger services are not currently expected to be affected, and other pilot-exempt vessels operating through Burnie and Devonport are also expected to continue normally.

"Some movements requiring TasPorts' pilot launch services will be restricted, and we are working directly with affected customers and shipping agents to manage scheduled movements."

Captain Gray said safety and regulatory obligations would remain central to all operational decisions.

"Protected industrial action is a lawful part of enterprise bargaining, and TasPorts respects the rights of eligible employees to participate.

"We remain committed to good faith negotiations and our focus remains on reaching an agreement that fairly recognises our employees, is sustainable for TasPorts and supports the long-term interests of Tasmania," Captain Gray said.

TasPorts will continue to review scheduled vessel movements and provide information directly to customers whose operations may be affected. A further operational update will be provided on Monday morning, or earlier if circumstances materially change.