Tasmania to Renew International Shipping Service

The government of Tasmania expects to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore-based Swire Shipping in the near future in an effort to re-establish an international shipping service for Tasmania. It is expected that a period of market testing will then take place before the shipping line establishes arrangements to commence operations. The government has also said that while it supports an extension to the Federally-funded TFES scheme, the Australian government has clearly indicated that any changes must fit within the current funding envelope – but any change on this basis threatens the vitally important Bass Strait shipping market and is, therefore, not acceptable. Tasmania cannot afford to stand around waiting, and thats why we are getting on with the job of working with industry to facilitate the establishment of a viable, sustainable international shipping service. Our export industries have suffered with the lack of such a service, and the government is committed to doing everything we can to see one reintroduced, the government said in a release. Tasmania has been without an international service since 2011, when Agility Shipping canceled its Bell Bay route. Press Release