Nearly $16 million invested in Devonport and Melbourne developments
Infrastructure works in Devonport and Melbourne are underway in preparation for the arrival of shipping and logistics provider SeaRoad’s new charter vessel.
The MV Liekut, which will service the Bass Strait route, has departed Cape Town bound for Melbourne and is scheduled to arrive at Station Pier on March 26.
In preparation for its arrival, SeaRoad has invested $15 million in developing the East Devonport terminal.
Works include fendering, berth strengthening, and mooring bollards works, which are currently being completed for the 210-metre-long ship.
In Melbourne, $600,000 of fendering relocation, pile restoration and mooring bollards works are also close to completion.
Read how SeaRoad announced the launch of its new ro-ro cargoship, here
SeaRoad executive chair Chas Kelly says the investment in the charter vessel and port works would provide increased capacity for freight across Bass Strait.
The firm’s total lane metre capacity would grow by almost 70 per cent when MV Liekut replaces the existing SeaRoad Tamar.
“We’ve seen a fantastic response from our clients in the lead up to Liekut commencing service,” Kelly says.
“More transport options for Tasmanian agriculture, aquaculture and manufacturing industries means more growth opportunities for businesses.”
MV Liekut will conduct a maiden, non-commercial voyage from Melbourne on April 1, arriving in Devonport on April 2 for operational testing.
The ship will then depart Devonport on its first commercial voyage on April 5 and travel to Webb Dock, Port Melbourne overnight, arriving on April 6.