Agility confirms launch of Bass Strait service

In a media release issued this week, the company substantiated the front-page story in last week’s edition of Lloyd’s List DCN, confirming that a joint venture agreement between Agility Logistics Pty Ltd and Transworld Marine Express Pty Ltd to form Agility Shipping was signed in Melbourne on July 23.

The geared multi-purpose Hafentor will become Tassie Bridge and operate under the Australian flag with an Australian crew on the thrice-weekly service.

"Depending on customer demand for the new service, a second vessel might be added to the service later in the year," the company said. 

Agility Shipping will operate from offices in Prohasky Street, Port Melbourne and will be, as expected, headed up by formerly Agility projects manager (and PAN Australia Shipping founder) Paull Van Oost.

He will be joined by TME’s Captain Glen Colaco and a number of other "industry-experienced professionals" including, it is understood, ex-ANL TasFast staff. 

Tassie Bridge will operate on fixed berthing windows at Melbourne’s Webb Dock 4 and Bell Bay, Agility says, with stevedoring and container depot operations by Patrick Stevedores in Melbourne and by ANS Stevedores in Bell Bay, both under long-term agreements. 

"The new service has been strongly supported by the market and contractual commitments have been received from a core group of customers who have welcomed the options that this new service offers," the company said. 

To support further growth, an agreement has been reached in principal between Agility and TasRail to launch an intermodal service between Bell Bay and Hobart in the last quarter of 2010.

Agility CEO Australasia and North Asia Mick Turnbull said the launch of the new service was a significant step for the company into Tasmania and reflected the importance that the company placed on this market.

"Agility is committed to providing a full range of supply chain solutions to its customers across Australia and the introduction of this latest service is essential to this," he said. 

"This is a major step for Agility in Australia to meet growing demand from our customers for a reliable scheduled service across the Bass Strait connecting Melbourne and Bell Bay, Tasmania.

"We are also very proud that we will be supporting the national maritime sector as the vessels will be flying the Australian flag, with an all Australian crew," Mr Turnbull said. 

TME managing director Capt Ivan Colaco said the partnership meant his company could leverage Agility’s international expertise in freight and logistics. 

"When combined with Transworld’s strong maritime industry credentials, we will be able to deliver a world-class service to Australian customers across the Bass Strait," Capt Colaco said.