Sea Swift, Northern Australia’s premier shipping company, is delighted to announce the imminent arrival of the Newcastle Bay II, a purpose-built cargo vessel which promises to be a game-changer for Far North Queensland remote communities.
The Newcastle Bay II is set to arrive in Cairns in October, following successful sea trials in Indonesia which confirmed its readiness for service in Australia.
The vessel is then expected to be in service in the weeks following her arrival in Cairns.
The Newcastle Bay II will be deployed to meet schedules between Cairns, Horn Island, and Weipa, also playing a vital role in ensuring food and essential deliveries reach the Outer Torres Strait Islands.
Sea Swift Chief Executive Officer Dwayne Freeman expressed his excitement at welcoming the Newcastle Bay II to the company’s fleet.
“The arrival of the Newcastle Bay II is a momentous occasion for Sea Swift and the entire Northern Australia community,” Mr Freeman said.
“This vessel represents our commitment to improving cargo capacity and connectivity across the region.”
To celebrate this achievement, Sea Swift will host a grand launch event attended by stakeholders, valued customers, Sea Swift crew, and local government officials, with details to be revealed soon.
Measuring just shy of 100 meters in length and capable of reaching a maximum speed of 16 knots, the Newcastle Bay II is poised to revolutionise Sea Swift’s capabilities.
“This vessel is a game-changer for our communities,” said Mr Freeman.
“It will significantly increase our cargo capacity, especially during Northern Queensland’s wet season, and also offer passenger accommodation, further enhancing our services.”
Mr Freeman said the journey to launching the Newcastle Bay II has not been without its challenges.
“We’ve encountered hurdles, including the impact of COVID-19, labour and skills shortages, and adverse weather conditions.
“However, these challenges have only fuelled our determination to see this project through.
“The Newcastle Bay II’s impending arrival is a testament to Sea Swift’s resilience and unwavering commitment to serving the needs of Northern Australia.
“In fact, it’s more than just a vessel – it represents Sea Swift’s identity and is a critical addition to our business.”
