SeaRoad’s new charter vessel MV LIEKUT arrived on schedule in Devonport at 4.30 pm today, completing its maiden voyage overnight across Bass Strait from Melbourne.

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The shipping company’s new addition, which joins SeaRoad Mersey II, has been eagerly anticipated and will significantly boost SeaRoad’s freight capacity, further strengthening the Tasmanian economy.

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“The MV LIEKUT is a major step forward in our commitment to provide ever-improving and consistent freight services for our clients,” said Chas Kelly, Executive Chairman of SeaRoad.

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“The sheer size of this modern vessel is sure to make an impression on the port she will now call home, but more importantly, the increased capacity afforded by MV LIEKUT will create more opportunities for Tasmanian businesses.

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”The ship’s arrival in Devonport today was a non-commercial sailing, and the vessel will depart Devonport at 5pm on 5 April (Easter Monday) carrying its first commercial shipment.

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In preparation for LIEKUT’s arrival, SeaRoad invested $15 million in developing the East Devonport terminal. This included fendering, berth strengthening, and mooring bollards works designed to accommodate the 210-metre-long ship. In Melbourne, $600,000 of fendering relocation, pile restoration and mooring bollards works were also completed.

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The ship’s flag was changed to Australian registration on Monday 29 March while berthed in Melbourne and was cleared by authorities after arriving in Australia on 25 March.

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The German-built MV LIEKUT replaces the stalwart Searoad Tamar, which departed Devonport for the final time on 31 March 2021 after 30 years of strong service across Bass Strait.

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Once the LIEKUT’s charter period is complete, SeaRoad’s new permanent vessel is scheduled to begin trading on Bass Strait in the second half of 2023 at an estimated $190 million of further investment.