Massive Marine Industry Boost to Queensland

6:44 AM Mon 1 Dec 2008 GMT

'Viking Industries 600 tonne travel lift launch demonstration - Viking Industries 600 tonne travel lift launch' Kylie Jacobson Click Here to view large photo

The largest ship lifter in the Southern Hemisphere has been launched in Brisbane, putting Queensland on the international maritime map and opening the door for a strong expansion of Australia's marine industry.

In an exciting move for the marine industry in Australia, Brisbane Ship Lifts and Boatyard's new 600 Tonne Travel Lift will enable superyachts and naval and commercial vessels almost the size of a football field to be lifted out of the water.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, the Honourable Paul Lucas said the benefits of the 600 Tonne Travel Lift are significant to not only Queensland but the marine and tourism industry in Australia.

'The superyacht industry is growing and Queensland has a reputation for being competitive on quality and cost,' Mr Lucas said.

'This sort of infrastructure doesn't just support companies like Viking but also hundreds of tradespeople and small businesses.'

Ben Schooley, Precinct Supervisor, shows the Deputy Premier and Jerry Lim how to operate the 600 tonne travel lift - Viking Industries 600 tonne travel lift launch - Kylie Jacobson Click Here to view large photo

CEO of Viking Industries, Jerry Lim says the Travel Lift will provide the marine industry with the infrastructure required to promote Brisbane as an international marine industry destination with superior facilities for marine refits, repairs and maintenance.

'It is expected that this will boost superyacht numbers, as well as provide local naval and commercial vessels with the infrastructure required for necessary maintenance in closer proximity to their respective bases,' Mr Lim said.

'What sets the Travel Lift apart is its ability to lift vessels up to 80 metres in length out of the water with precision, eliminating the risks associated with other forms of vessel haulage such as slipways and dry-docks.

'This means is that large vessels are able to be quickly, reliably and safety serviced and repaired in Brisbane. '

CEO of Australia's peak industry body, Superyacht Base Australia, and President of the International Superyacht Society Lance Cushion welcomed the launch of the 600 Tonne Travel Lift, saying it would bring great economic benefits to the region.

'Currently, the superyacht tourism industry contributes $150 million each year to Australia's economy and is expected to grow to more than $500 million over the next five years,' Mr Cushion said.

'In the last 12 months alone the global superyacht industry has grown by 18 per cent with over 900 new superyachts currently on the order books of shipyards around the world.'

Vessels such as superyachts have previously avoided travelling to Australia due to a lack of facilities. The Travel Lift will provide Brisbane with the opportunity to compete with the Mediterranean and Caribbean/Bahamas as a superyacht destination. This will provide significant ongoing economic benefits to the region.

The new 600 Tonne Travel Lift will double the lifting capacity at the Hemmant based boatyard and provide the necessary tools for the Australian marine industry to compete with the rest of the world.

Queensland Deputy Premier Paul Lucas and CEO of Viking Industries Jerry Lim, officially launch the 600 tonne travel lift - Viking Industries 600 tonne travel lift launch - Kylie Jacobson

For more information, please visit www.vikingindustries.com.au

by Kylie Jacobson

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