15 July 2008
The Minister for Infrastructure, Graeme
Sturges, today visited the Devonport terminal and inspected
Spirit of Tasmania I, and congratulated TT-Line and its
staff for providing passengers with an environmentally friendly,
end-to-end sailing experience.
"The TT-Line is a member of the
Greenhouse Challenge Plus, and the company is consistently
introducing new initiatives to both ship and shore operations to
reduce emissions and its impact on the environment," said Mr
Sturges.
"In addition to the greenhouse gas
emission reductions for Spirit II following dry dock,
recycling efforts have increased in Devonport and Melbourne.
"The company will be ordering recycled
paper and is investigating on-board recycling of glass.
"The green-conscious contributions of
staff to the overall effort are particularly important."
TT-Line Company Pty Ltd will use the
scheduled dry docking of Spirit of Tasmania II at the end
of this month to undertake extensive external cleaning and
mechanical upgrades that will save fuel and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
TT-Line Chief Executive Charles Griplas
said underwater paint coatings would be removed and replaced with a
smooth silicon paint that was expected to deliver an annual
reduction in fuel consumption of six per cent.
"Eight new super polished propeller
blades, featuring a new speed optimisation design, will also be
fitted to provide the ship with a further two-and-a-half to three
per cent fuel saving," he said.
"These reductions will not only save
money at a time when fuel prices are increasing, but importantly
reduce our greenhouse gas emissions."
Mr Griplas said that during the
three-week dry dock at Garden Island, inspections would be
conducted; and an overhaul of the shipside valves, rudders, side
thrusters, stabiliser fins, anchors and cables would occur to
ensure the ongoing reliable operation of the vessel.
"State-of-the-art navigation equipment
will be installed on the bridge and new floor coverings and
upholstery installed on decks seven and eight."
Mr Griplas said the Spirits
were dry docked every two years for scheduled maintenance and
marine safety inspection.
Spirit of Tasmania II will
depart Devonport for dry dock at Garden Island in New South Wales
on 27 July.
During this period, Spirit of
Tasmania I will be conducting half-price day sailings between
Devonport and Melbourne, departing at 9am; and night sailings
between Melbourne and Devonport, departing at 9pm.
ends
Contact:
Margaret Lindley on (03) 6233 2451
www.tas.gov.au
