China’s Jinling Shipyard expects to begin delivering two 12,000-dwt ro-ro vessels to Australia’s Toll Shipping next year for operation across Bass Strait between Burnie, Tasmania and Melbourne, Victoria where they will replace the 1999-built sisters Tasmanian Achiever and Victorian Reliance.

The newbuilds will have 40 per cent more cargo capacity than the older vessels and will be able to accommodate 250 double-stacked Mafis and 60 vehicles as well as more refrigerated freight. Both ro-ros will be Australian flagged and crewed.

Report by Jim Shaw