10 August 2009
Spirit of Tasmania I is
back in service tonight having undergone extensive work in dry dock
which will see savings in fuel costs and a reduction in greenhouse
gas emissions.
Minister for Infrastructure, Graeme
Sturges, said underwater paint coatings had been removed and
replaced with a smooth silicon paint designed to deliver a
significant annual reduction in fuel use.
The three-week scheduled dry docking of Spirit of Tasmania I also
allowed TT Line to undertake extensive external cleaning and
mechanical upgrades.
"Passengers travelling on Spirit I from today do so knowing that
the crossing will have significantly less impact on the
environment," Mr Sturges said.
"Hundreds of individual jobs were undertaken while the ship was in
dry dock".
"Inspection and maintenance of main engines, stabilizers and other
machinery components was undertaken to maintain the operational
reliability of the ship's major equipment, delivering a high
standard of safety for all passengers.
"These included checking and overhauling the sea valves, anodes
that protect the steel, maintenance on thrusters and engines that
can only be done out of the water and measuring wear down on anchor
cables."
"Much of this work won't be seen by passengers but the public
areas have not been overlooked, right down to fixing single tiles
that have lifted in bathrooms."
"In addition, state-of-the-art navigation equipment has been
installed on the bridge to improve the navigational aids for the
captains and deck officers."
"Public deck refurbishments included upgrades to the Deck 10
passenger area with a new coating on the roof, providing greater
comfort and climate control for passengers."
Mr Sturges said Tasmanian-made carpet, manufactured at Tascot
Templeton in Devonport, had been laid in the gaming lounge,
Lattetude bar, purser's area and a la carte restaurant.
"Tasmanian suppliers and contractors spent two weeks laying
carpets, fitting new lights, hanging pictures and window
furnishings and upholstering furniture."
"These upgrades, and similar work already completed on Sprit II
provide not only a significant boost to cutting greenhouse gas
emissions but also improve passenger comfort and put money into the
Tasmanian economy.
"I commend TT Line and its management for continuing to improve
the performance of the Spirits and its support of Tasmanian
workers," Mr Sturges said.
-ends-
Further information:
Tasmanian Government Communications Unit
Phone: (03) 6233 6573
Soniya Fernandez
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Spirit of Tasmania
Email: saf@spiritoftasmania.com.au
