6 May 2008
The new Chief Executive Officer of TT-Line Company Pty Ltd says
the company is well positioned to move forward and meet the
challenges it is likely to face in the short to medium-term.
Charles Griplas, who joined TT-Line as CEO in February 2008,
said the company had a robust balance sheet and was well positioned
in the highly competitive passenger and freight market.
"But to move forward we need to focus on making travel on the
Spirits an end-to-end sailing experience," he said.
Mr Griplas, who described his management style as "inclusive"
and his management philosophy to "push the boundaries", identified
a number of immediate challenges for the business and its
operations.
"Rising fuel costs will continue to be an issue for the company,
as will competition for passengers from low cost airlines," he
said.
"Travel intentions and preferences continue to lift for overseas
travel rather than domestic which is likely to have an impact, as
would meeting increased freight demand."
Mr Griplas said the Spirits were carrying significant
quantities of perishable product and, in doing so, were strongly
supporting Tasmania's fresh food producers.
"Tasmania's north west coast is the fruit and vegetable bowl of
Australia," he said.
"We are keen to continue to work with Tasmanian producers in
assisting them to transport their fresh product to markets
interstate."
Mr Griplas said reigniting the passion of Tasmanians to travel
on Spirit of Tasmania was a major goal for the
company.
"While Tasmanians regard the Spirits as icons of the
State, they also view the ships as a means to get from point A to
point B rather than a travel option that provides a unique travel
experience," he said.
"We need to take advantage of the icon status and encourage more
Tasmanians to travel on our ships rather than the low cost, budget
airlines.
"We know that our mainland passengers travel with us because
they want an end-to-end travel experience that starts with a trip
on the Spirit.
"That experience provides passengers with a comfortable cabin,
the convenience of travelling with a vehicle and the opportunity to
enjoy fresh, Tasmanian produce onboard."
Mr Griplas said he was also keen to maintain and expand
TT-Line's strong support of the community through a variety of
initiatives, including continued sponsorship of the Young Achiever
Awards, the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania and scholarships
and prizes at the Australian Maritime College and the University of
Tasmania.
He said he would also like to develop stronger relationships
with Tasmanian businesses and organisations.
Mr Griplas joined TT-Line from Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics
Oceania where he was Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Regional
Director.
He holds an Executive MBA from the Australian Graduate School of
Management, together with an Honours Bachelor Degree in Commerce,
and is currently a Director on the Tourism Industry Council
Tasmania.
Released by:
Nicolas Turner
Tel: 6210 5206 or 0418 538 865
