TASMANIAN Labor intends to commit $5.25 million to Incat’s expansion plans if the party is elected at the state election this month.
Labor leader Rebecca White pledged her support during a visit to Incat’s Hobart shipyard on 13 March. It matches a commitment announced in late February by the state’s Liberal party.
Tasmanian shipbuilder Incat is looking to expand its Hobart shipyard and grow its workforce as it rolls out a plan to build more battery electric vessels.
The largest to date, Incat Hull 096, is currently being built at the shipyard and has just reached the half-way construction mark.
Incat managing director Craig Clifford said it was “a major coup” for the company to have support from both of Tasmania’s major political parties.
“Incat has traditionally enjoyed bi-partisan political support, so it’s great to see that continue with Labor’s substantial commitment towards our expansion plan,” Mr Clifford said.
“We are grateful to Rebecca White and her team for backing us.
“This commitment from Labor means that regardless of who wins the state election, our plans to grow the workforce, increase production, expand our production facilities, and double Incat’s current capacity over coming years are well supported.”
Incat CEO Stephen Casey noted the funding commitment coincides with the 50% construction milestone on Incat Hull 096.
“Hull 096 stands as a marvel of maritime engineering, and the industry will be blown away when it hits the water,” Mr Casey said.
“The ship has reached its full 130-metre length with the completion of the vehicle deck structure, giving a sense of the sheer scale of this build.
“We have had significant interest from ferry operators across the world since launching the designs of our zero-emission battery electric vessels and are well progressed in the planning for our next new vessel projects.”
Mr Casey said the vessel is on schedule to roll back into dry dock in May so the super structures can be fitted.
The battery electric ferry remains “firmly on schedule” for delivery in 2025.
