TT-LINE carried near-record freight volumes in 2021-22 and has scheduled additional sailings for its Spirit of Tasmania vessels.

The Tasmanian government has reported high freight and passenger numbers as the company recovers from the pandemic.

Minister for transport and infrastructure Michael Ferguson said the past 12 months had been “probably the most exciting” in TT-Line’s 37-year history.

“This is on the back of what have been some very challenging years due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

“But with the opening of borders and the pent-up demand for domestic travel we are seeing the market recover and return to previous levels.”

Mr Ferguson pointed to an increase in the number of sailings, from 806 voyages in 2020-21 to 823 in 2021-22.

Spirit of Tasmania confirmed in November it would operate additional day sailings in the coming months.

From November through to the end of April, Spirit of Tasmania has scheduled 168 day sailings across 84 days in addition to its regular night sailings.

“This means that passenger numbers are starting to recover with 284,323 passengers carried last year, up from the Covid low of 234,725,” Mr Ferguson said.

“The company and its employees have done an excellent job ensuring the ships could continue to operate continuously in a Covid-19 safe manner.”

Spirit of Tasmania CEO Bernard Dwyer said last month the vessels have been very busy and that the new vessels scheduled to arrive in 2024 would assist to alleviate the need for additional day sailings.

Mr Dwyer also commented on the success of the new terminal in Geelong.

“We’re getting fantastic feedback from passengers who are traveling through our new terminal in Geelong,” he said.

“As of [23 November] we have been operating for one month and we couldn’t be happier with the move,” he said.

And Mr Ferguson noted the company would, for the first time, have two purpose-built ships with two purpose-built ports.

“These impressive developments cannot be overstated and will set the company up for success for the next 30 years,” he said.