The Liberal Government has been working from day one to secure a new shipping service for King Island given the planned retirement of the Searoad Mersey.
Today, following a rigorous and comprehensive process of evaluation by the Government and the King Island Council, I am pleased to advise that the preferred proponent for the King Island Shipping Service is Port and Coastal Marine Services (PCMS).
An experienced and well credentialed company, PCMS intends to commence its service in early 2017 subject to obtaining sufficient support from the King Island shipping community.
PCMS will provide a twice-weekly service from King Island to Tasmania and will partner with a current Bass Strait shipping provider to transport freight to Victoria. It is also prepared to consider an intermittent service that, subject to demand, will allow pickups and delivery between King Island and Victoria. This would not be a scheduled service and would be subject to meeting scheduling obligations to Tasmania.
PCMS is seeking a long-term relationship with King Island and is in negotiations with key customers to lock in long-term service agreements and contracts.
The company has recently returned from Scandinavia where it has inspected several Offshore Supply Vessels that have oceangoing capability and are well-suited to the rigours and challenges of Bass Strait. Negotiations are at an advanced stage to purchase a vessel.
The Government will be joining PCMS on the island next month where the company will be introduced to the King Island community and shipping stakeholders. Following that, PCMS will engage with the island and provide advice on its new ship and detailed information on scheduling, pricing, vessel capability and service arrangements with customers.
PCMS has been professional and thorough in its interactions and I am confident that the company will work closely with the King Island community to provide a long-lasting relationship.
Infrastructure Tasmania has worked constructively with the King Island Council in assessing bids for the shipping service and Mayor Duncan McFie should be congratulated for his role.
This is good news for King Island and I am pleased the Government has been able to work with key stakeholders to ensure continued service.