SEAROAD Tamar is departing Devonport for the last time after 30 years of service on the Bass Strait.
Built in Australia in 1991 at Carrington Slipways, Tomago NSW, SeaRoad Tamar is the last roll-on roll-off monohull vessel built in Australia. The ship was purpose-built for its first owner, ANL, before being sold to Holyman Shipping, operating as Coastal Express Line.
In its initial years the SeaRoad Tamar underwent modifications to improve its sailing performance and reliability as a freight vessel.
The SeaRoad Tamar was acquired by Patrick Corporation in 1999 and then sold to a group of local investors led by Chas Kelly in 2007, which would become known as SeaRoad.
SeaRoad executive chairman Chas Kelly said it was sad to see SeaRoad Tamar depart Tasmania after such an illustrious history.
“SeaRoad Tamar has served Tasmania well and I know her green livery will be missed by the Devonport community, however her departure also heralds an exciting new phase for SeaRoad,” he said.
“Her current replacement – charter vessel MV Liekut – will provide the capacity for growth that SeaRoad customers have been asking us for.”
TasPorts chief executive officer Anthony Donald said the SeaRoad Tamar had called a Tasmanian port home for the past 30 years.
“From when the vessel began operating in 1991 through to its operations at the Port of Devonport today, it has played a key role in supporting trade for the benefit of Tasmania,” Mr Donald said.
“Today we say a fond farewell to a vessel that has proudly served the Tasmanian community for three decades. As we celebrate this legacy, we also look to the future and the imminent arrival of the MV Liekut.”
MV Liekut arrived in Australia last week and it is in preparation for its first voyage departing Devonport on 5 April.
