SeaLink onboard as Brisbane's new ferry operator
The contract is for the operation of the Brisbane River ferry services and the maintenance of the vessels and associated infrastructure.
SeaLink Travel Group Limited (“SeaLink”) advises that RiverCity Ferries, one of its subsidiary companies, has been awarded the contract as the new operator of Brisbane City Council’s iconic CityCat, CityHopper and Cross River Ferry networks following a competitive tender, securing SeaLink’s first marine public transport contract since acquiring Australia’s largest privately owned metropolitan bus company, Transit Systems in January 2020.
The contract is for the operation of the Brisbane River ferry services and the maintenance of the vessels and associated infrastructure. SeaLink’s services are planned to commence on 4 November 2020 for a term of up to 15 years and will secure up to 250 local jobs, as well as the operation of 31 vessels and add millions of passengers to the 360 million passengers that the group already moves globally each year. The total contract revenue over the initial ten year term is estimated at approximately $390 million.
According to SeaLink Group CEO, Clint Feuerherdt, securing this contract demonstrates the performance capabilities, expertise and strength of the combined group of SeaLink companies. He said:
“We had a vision to combine SeaLink’s marine experience and capabilities with Transit Systems’ public transport experience, to become a truly multi-modal transport provider. We look forward to working with the Brisbane City Council to deliver innovative and efficient transport services and bringing our people together to deliver a world-class ferry experience in Brisbane.”
SeaLink already has marine services in Queensland, operating ferries in South East Queensland to North Stradbroke Island and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, in Hervey Bay to Fraser Island, in Gladstone to Curtis Island, and in Townsville to both Magnetic Island and Palm Island. With the addition of the Brisbane ferry fleet, SeaLink will operate more than 100 vessels around Australia.
He said:
“Our local knowledge adds to our operational capabilities, and we look forward to assisting Brisbane City Council and the community in supporting the Brisbane Vision 2031 and the River’s Edge Strategy.”
Mr Feuerherdt said the contract highlights the significant diversification and growth of the Company since it acquired the Transit Systems group earlier this year.
The Brisbane City Council contract joins a suite of successful public transport contracts already added to the SeaLink portfolio this year, with renewed, extended and new contracts in South Australia and Western Australia.
