TasPorts welcomed MV Liekut on its maiden voyage to the Port of Devonport today, as SeaRoad Shipping introduced the new charter vessel to service the Bass Strait freight route.
Posted
02 April 2021
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TasPorts Chief Executive Office Anthony Donald said TasPorts has worked closely with SeaRoad Shipping in preparation for the vessel’s arrival.
“TasPorts is committed to enabling and supporting our customers and industry partners through reliable infrastructure. In line with this, TasPorts has worked alongside SeaRoad Shipping to undertake infrastructure upgrades in preparation for the arrival of MV Liekut,” he said.
“TasPorts has completed initial works at Devonport’s No. 2 Berth East, which has included the design and installation of key fendering. Over the coming months, the project team will undertake further fendering and bollard upgrades,” Mr Donald said.
Image: SeaRoad Shipping/Rob Burnett
Mr Donald said as the port operator TasPorts is also responsible for ensuring the highest standards of maritime safety, whilst facilitating trade for the benefit of Tasmania.
“In preparation for the vessel’s arrival, TasPorts has undertaken port-specific due diligence, including vigorous marine risk assessments, and vessel simulations incorporating validated models,” Mr Donald said.
“In addition, TasPorts reviewed the existing Aids to Navigation at the Port of Devonport and we also increased the number of weather sensors in the vicinity of the swing basin. These are all prudent risk management processes and are aligned with industry best practice within the port sector, both nationally and internationally.”
The arrival of MV Liekut signals the departure of SeaRoad Tamar, which has been a familiar sight on the Mersey River for past 30 years.
“Saying farewell to a vessel that has proudly served the Tasmanian community for three decades is bittersweet. But as we celebrate its legacy, we also look to the future which includes an increasing freight capacity via the MV Liekut.,” Mr Donald said.
The MV Liekut is due to depart the Port of Devonport on its first commercial voyage on April 5.
Pictured below:
Top Row (L-R):
Searoad Tamar launch at Carrington Slipways, Tomago, 13 April 1991. Courtesy of the Ross and Pat Craig Collection, University of Newcastle (Australia).
Searoad Tamar at Port of Bell Bay, 2 June 1992 (Kingsley Barr Photo).
Bottom Row (L-R):
Searoad Tamar and Anangel Venture at Port of Bell Bay, 23 June 1994 (Kingsley Barr Photo).
Searoad Tamar departing the Port of Devonport for the final time, 31 March 2021. (TasPorts Photo)