28th October 2011:  Sea SA confirmed the company's much anticipated new ferry, the Australian-designed Aurora, was launched today for the first time from the shipyards of Dry Docks World, Dubai, based in Indonesia.

 

Sea SA Managing Director, Stephanie Dawson, said the new vessel had been purpose-built for Spencer Gulf conditions and complied with the very latest international maritime regulations.

 

"We're very excited to finally see her in the water after a lengthy construction phase," Stephanie said.

 

New improved design features include a stabilizer system for a smoother ride and a spray canopy to eliminate salt spray from reaching vehicles parked on the foredeck.

 

 

The finishing touches were now being added to the ferry's interior, including final fit out, painting and lighting of the air-conditioned cafe, comfortable lounge-style seating, widescreen plasma movie screens, toddlers' play enclosure, disabled access and wireless internet connectivity.

 

"Once the luxurious interior is completed,  Aurora will undertake a delivery voyage from Batam, Indonesia, to Wallaroo in South Australia, which we expect will take approximately 15 days," Stephanie revealed. 

 

"We are just waiting for the shipyard to confirm the exact handover date, but we are confident that cross-Spencer Gulf services will be back in the New Year."

 

The new vessel will carry 85 cars and 300 passengers across the Spencer Gulf, reducing drive-time between the Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas by two and a half hours.   Aurora will deliver greater cost-effectiveness than her predecessor, Sea Spirit 1, in meeting the needs of the increasing vehicle market.

 

Meanwhile, the company was stepping up efforts to secure leases from the State Government to operate again from Lucky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula and Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula.

 

"We also need to undertake some maintenance dredging at both terminals, but unfortunately, this cannot commence until the leases are issued," Stephanie advised.  

 

 / ENDS