Sea SA ferry start date moves closer

Sea SA is anticipating the return of its Spencer Gulf ferry service from mid-October 2009, as the final confirmation of a release date from the Adelaide slip way, for chartered vessel, Sea Way, draws closer.

Original hopes of a 1^st October resumption date were dashed when Sea Way unexpectedly changed hands, from Adelaide-based owners to new owners in the Middle East.

Sea SA is seeking to secure Sea Way, following the recent sale of previous ferry, Sea Spirit, in readiness for a new improved ferry, Aurora, which the company is currently constructing for delivery in 2010.

“As the new owners of Sea Way are actually based in the Middle East, negotiations have been somewhat slow, not just due to the time difference.  We have respected their personal commitment to observing Ramadan, and so we have had to play something of a waiting game in finalising details for the new lease arrangement,” Sea SA Managing Director, Stephanie Dawson explained.

“We have shared our customers’ frustration and disappointment over the last 6 weeks, and have been very grateful for their patience and loyalty.   Fortunately, all indications are now positively pointing towards a mid-October release of Sea Way to us, and we remain committed to providing a world-class car and passenger ferry service between the Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas” Stephanie said.