Products & services

Marine interiors refurbishment specialist Trimline has completed a comprehensive £13 million (US$20million) turnkey refurbishment program that transformed the two Tasmanian, state-owned and operated fast ferries, Spirit of Tasmania I and II.

Providing a vital year-round link for tourists and island residents alike, Spirit of Tasmania I and II are a pair of identical ships that have been in operation since 2002, owned by TT-Line that operate the 429km route across the Bass Strait between Melbourne and Tasmania. Operating a daily overnight service, with additional daytime crossings during peak seasons, the refit was carried out expediently in order to minimise disruption for passengers.

A hugely complex and time-sensitive project, the transformation brief from TT-Line was to deliver an interior fit for purpose. The extensive work has seen a complete remodelling and upgrade of four passenger decks, including 222 standard and deluxe cabins, in addition to the public areas of both vessels.

With the majority of early works taking place while the ships were still in operation and over 300 people working on the project - both from Trimline’s UK headquarters and local contractors and sub-contractors - this was a huge undertaking that required strong and clear project management, as well as a highly skilled and flexible workforce.

The Spirit of Tasmania transformation, included the refurbishment of:
- 222 standard and deluxe cabins
- Two new 48-seat cinemas
- New layout and look to four upper decks
- Revamped lounge
- New self service restaurant, ‘Tasmanian Market Kitchen’
- Three new bars
- Family area
- Retail shop

As a result of the refurbishment, TT-Line has reported significant forward bookings for the year ahead and scheduled extra day cruises to cater for the increasing demand from passengers.

Andrew Richards, Trimline CEO, comments: “As one of the largest transformation projects that Trimline has been involved in, we are delighted to have completed the work on Spirit of Tasmania I and II. It’s been a fantastic turnkey project for us to deliver, working in partnership with TT-Line, alongside a host of highly skilled local sub-contractors and suppliers, ensuring we were always utilising the highest quality materials available locally.

“With such tight timescales, it was really important for the project to run seamlessly – we had multi-skilled teams working around the clock, supported by Tasmanian and UK offices, alongside an outstanding project management team.

“The fantastic end result is testament to all the hard work from the Trimline and TT-Line teams, the transformation of the ships is incredible and I’m very proud of what has been achieved in a relatively short space of time.”

Mike Grainger, Chairman, at TT-Line Company Pty Ltd, added: “TT-Line’s turnkey contractor, Trimline, completed the refurbishment works on the Spirit of Tasmania vessels on time and on budget with the support and help of Tasmanian-based contractors and companies commissioned by Trimline.

“From a TT-Line Board perspective, we were very pleased that Trimline was so actively engaged with the Tasmanian businesses and that so many benefited from the project.

“We are just as pleased with the way the refurbishment works were completed – thanks to the joint efforts of Trimline employees and TT-Line staff and crew.

“It was a complicated task given some of the works were required while maintaining our overnight sailing schedule between mainland Australia and Tasmania. But the works were well planned and well executed.”