TASPORTS and Bass Strait ro-ro operator Strait Link have signed a non-binding Heads of Agreement for a long-term lease extension at the Port of Burnie’s Terminal 4, which they say will secure the operational reliability of Tasmania’s critical Bass Strait freight connection.
The agreement paves the way for Strait Link to continue operating from the port for up to 30 years, providing long-term certainty for Tasmanian industry and trade, and reinforcing Burnie’s role as a key logistics hub, the parties say.
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the agreement reflects proactive collaboration and a shared commitment to supporting Tasmania’s freight needs.
“This is a significant step forward for Burnie and Tasmania’s supply chain resilience,” Mr Donald said. “The agreement secures essential freight operations, enabling reliable, daily transport between Tasmania and mainland Australia.
“It also locks in a sustainable pricing model, aligned to TasPorts’ Schedule of Port Charges, that supports future-focused infrastructure investment.”
Mr Donald said the partnership was vital for local businesses, jobs and communities across Tasmania: “Our ports are economic enablers, and this agreement reinforces their role in connecting Tasmania to national and global markets.”
Strait Link CEO Geoff Gruebner said the agreement reaffirmed the shipping company’s strong long-term commitment to Tasmania.
“We’re proud to continue providing high frequency services that underpin Tasmania’s economy and support thousands of jobs, both in the port and across the state’s manufacturers and producers,” Mr Gruebner said. “This agreement gives us the confidence to invest in operational efficiency, adapt to the evolving needs of Tasmanian industry, and work with TasPorts on smarter, more sustainable port solutions.”
Strait Link has undertaken financial modelling to ensure cost impacts for customers are minimised, while maintaining supply chain stability, Mr Gruebner said. TasPorts and Strait Link will also explore further innovations to strengthen Tasmania’s freight infrastructure and ensure the port network continues to meet growing demand.
The parties are now working to finalise the detailed terms of the agreement by mid-2025. The announcement puts to bed earlier rumours that Strait Link was considering alternatives after rejecting TasPorts’ proposed new charging structure.
Strait Link operates overnight services between Burnie and Melbourne’s Webb Dock, sailing six nights a week with ro-ros Tasmanian Achiever II and Victorian Reliance II.
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