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Spirit of Tasmania charts a course to reduced emissions

Article written by Ninna Millikin recent graduate from a Graduate Diploma in Journalism.Spirit of Tasmania in dry dock

Passengers crossing Bass Strait on board Spirit of Tasmania can now look forward to a service with reduced carbon gas emissions and increased recycling options.

The ships undergo dry dock every two years and recently in early August after a three week overhaul, Spirit of Tasmania I, like its twin vessel Spirit of Tasmania II, underwent extensive external cleaning and mechanical upgrades.

This included installation of new technology that will reduce fuel consumption by approximately three per cent and result in an equivalent reduction in carbon emissions.

Kevin Maynard, Company Secretary of the State-owned specialised roll on/roll off shipping service, TT-Line, is proud of the steps the company is taking towards reducing its impact on climate change.

Both ships go into dry dock every two years. Underwater paint coatings have been removed and replaced with smooth silicon paint designed to deliver a significant annual reduction in fuel use. The use of new silicone based foul release paint repels water and fouling organisms.

Mr Maynard said that the crossing offers the comforts of an ocean cruise for passengers whilst also providing a more efficient mode of large scale transportation for freight and vehicles when compared to air or road transport.

“We’re effectively taking cars and trucks carrying freight out of the equation for carbon output between the 429km distance from Melbourne to Devonport,” Mr Maynard said.

Mr Maynard said, “Recyclables are collected by the Gleecraft Recycling Centre which is the self-help division of Glee Club Inc. This not-for-profit organisation is a service provider for people with disabilities.

“By recycling, Spirit of Tasmania supports a section of the community who need jobs and a little extra support. Currently, paper recycling is being trialled on board with the hope to increase recycling efforts to include glass, plastic, aluminium and milk cartons.”

“The crew are responding extremely well to recycling on board,” Mr Maynard said. “It requires them to get behind it – and although it can mean extra work, in the trials we’ve done, they’re encouraging and moving it forward.”

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