TASMANIA’S specialised manufacturing sector has been given another huge endorsement with local boatbuilder Incat securing a contract worth an estimated $50 million to provide ferries for Sydney Harbour.
Incat, will build six ferries at its shipyard at Prince of Wales Bay in Hobart.
The ferries will carry up to 400 passengers and resemble the First Fleet vessels that operate on the harbour – but with new technology inside.
The first ferry will be operating on inner-harbour waterways this summer with the remaining ferries to be delivered progressively throughout late 2016 and 2017.
The order is expected to provide additional job security for the 250 workers employed at Incat’s Hobart shipyard.
“This is a great opportunity for Incat’s highly skilled and experienced workforce to participate in the construction of ferries for the iconic Sydney fleet,” Incat managing director Simon Carter said.
“An order such as this, where six identical vessels are to be built, is welcomed by the existing staff and provides an excellent opportunity for training new personnel.”
Premier Will Hodgman said the deal was a massive boost for jobs and the economy and a vote of confidence in the state’s advanced manufacturing sector.
“This not only shows that Tasmania is open for business, it shows that Tasmania has a strong future as a world leader in advanced manufacturing,” he said.
“The purchase will help shore up Incat’s future and the jobs of hundreds of employees.
“It also means that over the last six months, 10 new Incat ferries have been announced, including four new ferries for Manly Ferries, and two new ferries bound for the River Thames in the UK.
“Advanced manufacturing and maritime industry is one of Tasmania’s competitive strengths we are backing.”
NSW Transport and Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance said the first new vessels in the Sydney Ferries fleet since 2000 were a major step forward in the NSW Government’s plans to modernise and expand the ferry network.
“They will look similar to the popular First Fleet vessels, but there will be improved customer features including more spacious outdoor viewing areas, 87 extra seats and an additional large, walk-around deck,” Mr Constance said.
He said Incat was renowned internationally for designing and building high quality, environmentally friendly and efficient vessels and had vessels in service in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe and the Middle East
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