QLD Marine & Master Promotions in Horn Island
Sea Swift’s vessel crews, marine department and operations teams are on the front line for our customers every day, making sure we keep our communities connected to the vital supplies and services they need daily. Sea Swift is immensely proud of its people and ensures the best opportunities for training and career development, further exemplifying the skills and importance of the task at hand. Last week, Sea Swift’s marine and vessel teams saw a stunning example of teamwork, development and opportunity for growth in the maritime industry for young people. Based at Sea Swift’s Horn Island Depot last week, Sea Swift team member Calvin impressively stepped up in a time of need. Starting with Sea Swift years ago as a deckhand then a second mate and now in his early 30s, Calvin has since worked as first mate then a shadow master on the Sea Swift cross harbour service from Horn to Thursday Island. Mentored on vessels by senior role models within the business, Calvin has had a wonderful path paved for him by a highly experienced crew and management. Over the weekend, Calvin underwent intensive training at Horn Island with a very senior team of trainers and industry leading mentors from Sea Swift, Ports North and other organisations in order to perform roles that regularly take weeks to train for. Following this, he managed to pull off a tug assist berthage manoeuvre for the Newcastle Bay on Horn Island. This is an amazing feat and ensured successful delivery over the weekend to the communities who rely on Sea Swift. Since this, Calvin has utilised his new skills with the crew on the Malu Chief in their maiden voyage into Seisia. Calvin is a valuable asset to the Sea Swift team, but this is just one story among so many more successes within the crew. Our Other Stories
Sea Swift and TSIRC advocate for improved marine infrastructure after teaming up to solve Masig Island issue
Sea Swift and Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) are working together to advocate to both State and Commonwealth Government for improved marine infrastructure in the Torres Strait after overcoming recent challenges in the delivery of key freight to the region. The partnership has been announced after Masig Island residents were recently left isolated due to severe weather events and ramp conditions. Masig Island annually encounters challenging environmental conditions leading to excess sand on the ramp, preventing deliveries or vessel landings. A Sea Swift vessel attempted to access the island several times last week, with all attempts unsuccessful due to conditions, before TSIRC workers solved the issue over the weekend. While working with the high tide early on 9 and 10 February, TSIRC removed approximately 100 tonnes of wet sand from the ramp between 2am and 6am. Due to this work performed by the council, a Sea Swift vessel was able to successfully arrive on Masig Island on Sunday (11 February) at 8.30am. “Teams at both TSIRC and Sea Swift should be congratulated for the mammoth effort it took to finally provide for the Masig Island community at this time,” said Sea Swift Managing Director Chris Pearce.“ Sea Swift will continue to work closely with the Council to ensure all communities and locations in the Torres Strait have ongoing food and supply security this wet season.” TSIRC Chief Executive Officer James William and Mr Pearce are now lobbying relevant government agencies for support in Northern Australia’s remote and coastal communities. The pair will travel to some of the most challenged islands represented by TSIRC to understand the challenges the vessel crews and communities respectively face in terms of delivery and supply. Mr William emphasised that many island communities face significant challenges in the region regarding ageing infrastructure, particularly marine assets such as ramps, jetties, and channels. “In a fresh approach, TSIRC and Sea Swift are now working closely together to better understand these challenges and formulating options to advocate to both State and Commonwealth Government to invest into the region,” said Mr William. Mr Pearce agreed and added that these are complex historical issues that can be solved with solid collaboration between the Council and Sea Swift, as well the continued commitment of investment from State and Commonwealth stakeholders. “We want to work together with all stakeholders towards continual improvements to vital infrastructure which underpin critical services to this important region,” Mr Pearce said. Sea Swift deliver to many locations throughout Northern Australia and the Torres Strait. Our website is the best place to find the most up-to-date schedule for all locations serviced. Our Other Stories
Sea Swift’s Albatross Bay rescues crew from sinking vessel
Crew aboard Sea Swift’s Albatross Bay have been hailed as life-savers after rescuing crew from a sinking vessel last night while on route from Cairns to Horn Island. The Albatross Bay received an emergency call from the Joint Rescue Communications Centre (JRCC) just after 6pm local time that a nearby trawler vessel, the Santiego, was in distress and uncontactable. Following several unsuccessful attempts to contact the Santiego using VHF radio, a request was made for Sea Swift’s vessel to divert to the scene. Upon arrival at the Santiego, the Sea Swift crew made contact with the vessel and determined the ship was sinking and unsalvageable. The Albatross Bay’s rescue vessel was then deployed and approached the sinking vessel, with Santiego crews reporting that the main engine was underwater, the generator had failed and the batteries were flat, causing them to abandon ship. The crew aboard the Albatross Bay assisted all Santiego crew off the vessel and they boarded the Albatross Bay shortly after, complete with personal belongings and effects. All Santiego crew members were unhurt, calm, and responsive after being rescued. Once aboard the Sea Swift vessel, the trawler’s crew were fed and hydrated, and assessed for further needs. Arrangements were then made to transfer the crew safely ashore. Sea Swift Managing Director Chris Pearce said he was immensely proud of the Albatross Bay crew’s ability to pivot and assist others in such an emergency. “Our team’s swift action and expertise exemplify Sea Swift’s commitment to safety and service in Northern Australian waters,” he said. “Sea Swift is made up of expert marine, maritime and vessel professionals, and we are very proud of the life-saving actions of our team yesterday evening. “We have a commitment to remote areas of Northern Australia and to the people who rely on Sea Swift as the lifeblood of their community. “Our thoughts are with the crew of the Santiego having undergone such an ordeal, and are hugely relieved and pleased all crew members are safe.” Sea Swift is proud to service the people of Northern Australia and provide essential services to those living in remote and coastal communities, having done so since 1987. “As one of the largest shipping employers in the country, Sea Swift ensures all crew, staff and workers have the training and development to work as safely and reliably as possible,” added Mr Pearce. Our Other Stories
Sea Swift officially launches ‘game-changing’ vessel Newcastle Bay
Sea Swift, Northern Australia’s premier shipping company, today (17 October) officially launched its highly-anticipated vessel, the Newcastle Bay, in front of key stakeholders in Cairns. The Newcastle Bay promises to be a game-changer for remote coastal communities in Far North Queensland, providing crucial freight support for the transportation of essential and non-essential goods across the region. Guests including valued customers, local businesses, Sea Swift Board and staff, and government officials attended the official launch event, held at Wharf 7, Dutton St. The vessel, which recently arrived in Cairns after successful sea trials, marks a significant milestone in Sea Swift’s commitment to serving the unique needs of Northern Australia. Measuring just shy of 100 meters in length and capable of reaching a maximum speed of 16 knots, the Newcastle Bay is poised to revolutionise Sea Swift’s freight capabilities. This purpose-built vessel will be deployed to meet schedules between Cairns and the Torres Strait, also playing a vital role in ensuring food and essential deliveries reach the OTSI region. In further exciting news, Sea Swift Chairman Steve Boulton revealed the Newcastle Bay will be operational earlier than expected, with service commencing later this month after final safety checks have been completed. “This is a very exciting day for not only everyone at Sea Swift, but communities across the region,” said Mr Boulton. “We’re investing in the future, and the Newcastle Bay will significantly increase our cargo capacity, especially during Northern Queensland’s wet season,” said Mr Boulton. “We are proud to be able to serve the communities that rely on us, and we believe this amazing new vessel will bring a positive change to their lives.” The official launch event marked the beginning of a new era for Sea Swift and its dedication to serving the unique and remote communities of Far North Queensland. “We enjoyed celebrating this milestone today with our valued customers and partners,” added Mr Boulton. Find out more about Newcastle Bay. Our Other Stories
Sea Swift welcomes the Newcastle Bay II: A game changer for Northern Australia shipping
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.” Our Other Stories
Garma Festival 2023 and a ‘tremendous thanks to Sea Swift’
The Garma Festival is an important cultural celebration on the Indigenous Australian calendar. It is Australia’s largest and most influential first-nations event, a four-day celebration of Yolngu culture, held in remote Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. In 2023, the Gove Peninsula once again became home to a vibrant celebration of country for what was an unforgettable 4 days in the Territory from 4 to 7 August … and Sea Swift was there. Sea Swift has been a proud contributor to the Garma Festival since 2013. The four days come together through intricate planning and Sea Swift teams on the ground to ensure all facilities, supplies, catering and comforts are safely brought to the Arnhem Land site for the festivities. The Gove Depot, a gateway into Arnhem Land, is a hive of activity before the annual event. “Given the remoteness of the event… I don’t feel as if we can deliver this event unless there is solid support behind it,” said Denise Bowden, Chief Executive of the Yothu Yindi Foundation. “[Sea Swift] understands the significance of Garma on a national level [and] go out of their way, above and beyond!” Delivering freight up to Garma is one part of Sea Swift’s long-running agreement with the Yothu Yindi Foundation and something the company is delighted to partake in. Since expanding into the Northern Territory, Sea Swift has gone from strength-to-strength in keeping Northern Australia connected. Denise relayed at the 2023 Garma Festival just how important partnerships like these are for a successful outcome. “[We are] very grateful that Sea Swift have been great friends of ours for many years”, she said. Sea Swift acknowledges the Gumatj people and the tireless work from Yunupinju to make Garma the incredible celebration we enjoy today. Sea Swift supports Australia’s Indigenous communities and strives to create opportunities for all young Australians in the workplace. Sea Swift services some of Northern Australia’s most remote communities, enabling ease in movement of freight and essential services to and from remote islands and mainland Australia. Our Other Stories
Sea Swift to suspend mothershipping services
Northern Australia’s largest shipping company Sea Swift has announced it will suspend its mothershipping operations ahead of the upcoming prawn season. “Sea Swift has been an industry participant in mothershipping since 1987, however with Queensland’s prawn fishing industry facing multiple industry challenges over the past few years, Sea Swift has confirmed the sector is not currently commercially viable to service,” said Sea Swift Chief Executive Officer Mr Dwayne Freeman. “A recent contributor to industry change has seen a major mothershipping customer modify its operating model and introduce its own vessel, and as a consequence the organisation has no further need for our services. “This change has had a significant impact on the overall commercial viability of our mothershipping service. We are continuing to work with the industry to identify any alternative options for servicing the upcoming prawn season. “Like most businesses, our costs have also escalated and supply chain delays have added operating constraints. “Our key priority continues to be servicing our core linehaul customers, particularly communities across the Cape, the Gulf and the Torres Strait.” Mr Freeman said that he had informed mothershipping customers and staff of the decision, with a reassurance to staff around job security. “I have assured all of our employees that there will be no forced job losses due to this action,” he said. Mr Freeman said Sea Swift was proud to continue to keep Northern Australia connected into the future. “I would like to thank all our hard-working employees, both past and present, as well as our valued mothershipping customers for their ongoing support,” he said. “We will continue to support Queensland’s export and fishery industries, and remain one of Northern Australia’s most dominant and longest service shipping companies.” Our Other Stories
Sea Swift Customer Survey – Queensland Market
Sea Swift is undertaking our first customer survey for our customers within the Queensland market. This survey will allow our customers to provide feedback on our services throughout the Northern Queensland region which we serve. The survey will be undertaken between 12-23 April 2023. Customers will begin to see invitation emails from the marketing@seaswift.com.au email address. The survey is being undertaken on our behalf by The Evolved Group. This survey will allow Sea Swift to better tailor our services to the communities and businesses we serve. Our Northern Territory-based customers will have an opportunity to provide their feedback in the coming weeks when a dedicated survey is released into that market. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Sea Swift customer service team on (07) 4035 1234. Our Other Stories
