The reinvigoration of Rottnest Island looks set to continue with a second ferry business changing hands in as many months.
The reinvigoration of Rottnest Island looks set to continue with a second ferry business changing hands in as many months.
Oceanic Cruises this week marked the official handover to its new owners, Tim and Tammy Shuttleworth, with the launch of its new 25-metre catamaran, the first new commercial vessel to service Rottnest in 10 years.
The Shuttleworths have also released plans to overhaul the company’s entire ferry and cruise business, with a multi-million dollar investment in ferry refurbishments and the expansion of its fleet.
The release of the 205-seat Rottnest Spirit, built by Sabre Cat Marine in Henderson, and complete with a full bar, quality sound systems, granite benchtops and LCD screens, marks a new standard of service for Oceanic.
Mr Shuttleworth told WA Business News the company intended to refurbish each of its six vessels, overhauling the interiors and rolling out its new branding on the exterior of the vessels.
Oceanic will also look to add another vessel to its fleet, with features similar to the Rottnest Spirit, within 12 months.
“We want the Rottnest experience to start when people get on board the ferry,” Mr Shuttleworth said.
“That’s the bar we’re setting on all vessels, to be at that standard.”
With a family background in the marine industry, Mr Shuttleworth’s passion for the ocean, as well as a desire to lift the profile and image of Rottnest Island, led him to take up the opportunity to buy the company.
“We’re a young couple, we’ve got a lot of ideas and want to do a lot of good things for Rottnest,” he said.
In addition to extra vessels, Oceanic will extend its Rottnest service to include an early run, departing Fremantle at 7am, and a late return, which will depart Rottnest at 8pm.
Also planned is a re-development of the East Street terminal in Fremantle, with new offices and ticketing booth.
The development will also include secure free parking for ferry passengers.
Mr Shuttleworth said he hoped to have the necessary approvals by the end of the year, with a view to start construction in 2008.
There are also plans to revive the River Cat service, providing a commuter service from Fremantle and Mt Pleasant to Perth.
Fellow Rottnest ferry company Rottnest Express/Boat Torque recently underwent a management change, after Bailey's Marine Fuels owner, Scott Bailey, purchased the business from former owner Peter Purves.
