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12:36 AM Mon 5 Jan 2009 GMT
The "dark horse" in the private sector tender process for the Circular Quay to Manly ferry service, Bass and Flinders is expected to take over the route, according to media reports in the newspapers and on radio this morning.
The company, whose vessels are common sights on Sydney Harbour for weddings, functions, whale watching cruises and other charter services, operates from Sydney as possibly the largest whale watching operation in the world. On Boxing Day, Ocean Dreaming was on hand as a Sydney to Hobart spectator boat that tags along with the competing fleet all the way to Maroubra, before turning back.
Chief executive, Richard Forde acknowledged the company had tendered, but said he was "not aware any announcement has been made yet".
'It would suit our operation because JetCats operated in the peak and then we can go whale watching. It would fit our operational profile but first we have to make sure we have systems [in place] and our crew are trained."
The company runs a fleet of triple-deck catamaran used for whale-watching and weddings, including the 33m Ocean Dreaming and possibly an unnamed $4 million sister vessel, due for delivery in March.
The service caters to 14,000 commuters, who have been left in the lurch following the scrapping of the JetCat service which completed its final run on New Year's Eve.
Ford said the March arrival of the new 30-metre boat would be perfect timing because it would allow Bass and Flinders to dedicate two vessels to the Manly service, and lease other vessels if required. Ocean Dreaming could carry about 400 people and its top harbour speed is 22 knots.
The NSW government announced the end of the JetCat service in the November mini-budget, citing its poor service record (the three boats broke down 29 times more often than other Sydney Ferries vessels) and high cost (each return return trip cost the Government $88 a passenger compared with the $16.40 ticket price).
Transport Minister, David Campbell said last week that his department is "currently assessing responses".
"This is an open and transparent process which has been expedited. We expect to have a replacement service up and running early in the New Year.'
More at www.bassflinders.com.au
by Jeni Bone
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Mount Wellington, TAS
