Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

1 2 7 Spirit of Tasmania’s twin red-hulled vessels sail between Melbourne on Australia’s mainland and Devonport in Tasmania Spirit of Tasmania’s ships are also held in high regard by passengers. Built in Turku, Finland in 1998 as Superfast III and Superfast IV, they were purchased by TT-Line in 2002. In 2015 the two vessels underwent a major refurbishment, with their interiors being completely refitted and redesigned. In the past Australian financial year, the business transported almost 450,000 passengers across Bass Strait and that is a significant contribution to the island’s economy. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that passengers travelling by sea to Tasmania usually stay longer, disperse more widely across the state and spend more compared with those travelling by air. The Interferry conference will deliver an incredible boost to the international profile and credibility of local ferry builders, suppliers and operators not only in Tasmania, but also from around Australia. “Interferry is the only global shipping association representing the ferry industry and with the profile and the interests of the delegates, this is sure to have multiple benefits for the state,” comments Dwyer. “It is also an opportunity to showcase Tasmania’s marine industry sector and members of the Tasmanian Maritime Network. Securing the conference is not only a win for Tasmania’s maritime industry, but also for the state’s reputation as a further demonstration that it can host international conferences of this calibre. Dwyer adds that Spirit of Tasmania worked closely with Business Events Tasmania and the Tasmanian government’s Department of State Growth to bring the conference to Tasmania. “We are working hard to plan an unforgettable conference that will be a truly unique and Tasmanian experience,” he says. “We are encouraging delegates to make the most of their time in Tasmania to explore and experience as many parts of the State as possible. And of course, I would encourage everyone to join us in Hobart for the 45th Annual Interferry Conference on 24-28 October 2020.” CFR “We are planning an unforgettable conference that will be a truly unique and Tasmanian experience”