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Adelaide-based transport service provider SeaLink has been appointed as the new operator of Brisbane City Council's CityCat ferry network.
Operating locally as RiverCity Ferries, the contract is for the operation of the Brisbane River ferry services including CityCat, CityHopper and Cross River Ferry, as well as the maintenance of the vessels and associated infrastructure.
The deal, with services set to start on 4 November for a term of up to 15 years, represents the company's first marine public transport contract since it acquired metropolitan public bus company Transit Systems in January this year.
Group CEO Clint Feuerherdt says the new contract will add up to 250 jobs to SeaLink, as well as the operation of 31 vessels.
"We had a vision to combine SeaLink's marine experience and portfolio with Transit System's public transport experience, to become a truly multi-modal transport provider," says Feuerherdt.
"Securing this contract reflects the achievement of that, and it's fantastic to be taking on one of the largest marine public transport contracts in the country.
"We look forward to working with Brisbane City Council to deliver innovative and efficient transport services and bringing our people together to deliver a world-class ferry experience in Brisbane."
Securing the CiyCat contract grows on SeaLink's presence in the state; the company already operates 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 River contract SeaLink will operate more than 100 vessels around the country.
"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," says Feuerherdt.
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Business News Australia
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