Searoad Tamar farewells Tasmania

The Searoad Tamar will today depart Devonport for the last time at 5pm 31 March 2021 after 30years of strong service across Bass Strait.

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Searoad Tamar History

Built in Australia in 1991 at Carrington Slipways, Tomago NSW (Near Newcastle), Searoad Tamar is the last roll-on roll-off monohull vessel built in Australia. The ship was purpose built for its first owner, ANL, before being sold to Holyman Shipping, operating as Coastal Express Line.

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In its initial years the Searoad Tamar underwent modifications to improve its sailing performance and reliability as a freight vessel.

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The Searoad Tamar was acquired by Patrick Corporation in 1999 and then sold to a group of local investors led by Chas Kelly in 2007, which would become known as SeaRoad.

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Executive Chairman of SeaRoad, Chas Kelly, said it was sad to see Searoad Tamar depart Tasmania after such an illustrious history.

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“Searoad Tamar has served Tasmania well and I know her green livery will be missed by the Devonport community, however her departure also heralds an exciting new phase for SeaRoad.“Her current replacement - charter vessel MV LIEKUT - will provide the capacity for growth that SeaRoad customers have been asking us for,” Mr Kelly said.

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TasPorts Chief Executive Officer Anthony Donald said the Searoad Tamar had called a Tasmanian port home for the past 30 years.

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“From when the vessel began operating in 1991 through to its operations at the Port of Devonport today, it has played a key role in supporting trade for the benefit of Tasmania,” Mr Donald said.

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“Today we say a fond farewell to a vessel that has proudly served the Tasmanian community for three decades. As we celebrate this legacy, we also look to the future and the imminent arrival of the MV LIEKUT.”