Gavin Pearce (Braddon, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In April this year Tasmania's capacity to transport freight the 211 nautical miles across Bass Strait was given a significant boost with the arrival of SeaRoad's new vessel the MV Liekut. Berthed dockside at Berth 2 East at the port of Devonport, the sheer size of this vehicle is impressive. She is 210 metres long, 33,000 tonnes and 26,000 horsepower, with space on board for 165 fully laden semitrailers. She is 85 per cent more capable than the ship she replaced, SeaRoad Tamar. If industry confidence is measured in the size of a vessel then Tasmania's business deserves its position as the most confident in Australia. Congratulations to SeaRoad's executive chairman, Chas Kelly, and his team for their long-term vision and their vote of confidence in a bright future for the Tasmanian industry. Whether it is agriculture, aquaculture or advanced manufacturing, the MV Liekut will provide a reliable increased shipping capacity across Bass Strait. And not only that; she will create more jobs across the electorate of Braddon and for Tasmania. This is about as good as it gets. Tasmania grows the very best produce anywhere in the world, and now that produce can reach the market quicker and more efficiently thanks to the MV Liekutand her crew.