John Duigan returns to service

The vessel departed Sydney on Saturday and is set to resume its normal schedule from this Wednesday, with a port call at Melbourne. John Duigan is then expected to arrive at Grassy, King Island on Friday, subject to weather.

TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the successful completion of repair works saw the vessel depart Sydney ready to undertake cargo operations at the Port of Melbourne this Wednesday.

“The repair works undertaken at the dry dock were completed ahead of schedule, including propeller and engine alignment as well as required sea trials. This has enabled the vessel to resume service a couple of days earlier than planned,” Mr Donald said.

As part of its return to schedule, the crew on board John Duigan are following all appropriate COVID-19 protocols, including essential traveller requirements.

Mr Donald extended his thanks to fellow chartered Bass Strait operators and the King Island community.

“The BIL team and agents have worked closely with fellow chartered Bass Strait operators to ensure the critical freight task continued while John Duigan was undergoing repairs,” Mr Donald said.

“I would like to again thank the King Island community for their continued understanding.”