24 September 2009
Fifty years ago today, the Princess of Tasmania sailed on her
maiden voyage from Melbourne and arrived into Devonport,
Tasmania.
A 50th anniversary celebration for invited guests will be held on
board Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport today.
During the 1950's, the Bass Strait crossing between Melbourne and
Tasmania was maintained principally by one ship, Taroona.
This ship had accommodation for only 400 passengers and space for
just 30 cars which had to be lifted off by cranes.
In 1959, Taroona was replaced by Princess of Tasmania - the first
drive-on, drive-off vehicular ship in the southern
hemisphere.
"Today is an important day for us as it is to the state of
Tasmania," said Mr Charles Griplas, CEO Spirit of Tasmania.
"Remembering 50 years of shipping service across Bass Strait gives
us an opportunity to reflect on those memorable years at sea and
also to look forward to continuing that service with Spirit of
Tasmania.
"To celebrate this momentous occasion, a special 50th anniversary
pre stamped postage paid envelope has been issued by Australia Post
featuring a Spirit of Tasmania stamp.
The envelope is available to purchase at participating Australia
Post outlets."
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Graeme Sturges said, "The
Spirits annually carry about 390,000 people between Tasmania and
Victoria and 183,000 vehicles.
"Given these numbers, it is easy to see why the company is often
congratulated for the significant contribution it makes to the
tourism sector and the broader Tasmanian economy.
"In addition, the role the company plays transporting fresh fruit
and vegetables to markets interstate should not be
underestimated.
"I would like to congratulate TT-Line for the outstanding job it
has done and continues to do, as a key player in Bass Strait
transport."
Devonport's Mayor Lynn Laycock said, "As a city on the sea, the
Tasmanian home port of Spirit of Tasmania is the heart of
Devonport's economy.
"Devonport promoted itself as an ideal summer holiday destination
to the rest of Australia and the Bass Strait passenger trade
boomed."
Since the Spirits arrived on Bass Strait, they have carried almost
2.5 million passengers who have collectively spent around $1.7
billion in the sate of Tasmania.
"As a Tasmanian tourism industry icon, Spirit of Tasmania is well
aware of its unique ability to attract people to Tasmania through
its various marketing initiatives which is important for the
State's tourist industry and the broader Tasmanian economy," said
Mr Charles Griplas, CEO, Spirit of Tasmania.
"The growth in tourism traffic driven by the Spirits has directly
contributed to investment in Tasmania's tourism infrastructure more
than doubling in the last five years.
"Our new tagline 'A trip to remember' embodies our ongoing
commitment for travel across Bass Strait - we want travellers to
remember our quality service and what a memorable journey
travelling by sea can be.
"The Spirits have continued to influence the economic and social
progress of Tasmania and I look forward to celebrating TT-Line's 25
years of service next year."
-ends-
For further information contact:
Soniya Fernandez
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Spirit of Tasmania
Email: saf@spiritoftasmania.com.au
