These $15 million-dollar state-of-the-art vessels custom-built for the Bay Islands ferry service are on track to be delivered in mid-2024. Upon arrival we will need to carry out operational training and works before they commence duty servicing the Bay Islands. The new vessels will offer more space with the capacity to transport up to 45 cars compared to our current SMBI the vessels, this means we can carry almost the same number of vehicles as the other three SMBI vessels combined! This expansion reflects our commitment to meeting the growing needs of the Bay Islands community and ensuring a comfortable, reliable journey for all our guests.
Redland Bay Terminal Developments
Exciting changes are also underway at the Redland Bay terminal with ongoing enhancements designed to improve your experience and streamline services. These upgrades, including modernised facilities and improved accessibility, are part of our continued investment in the infrastructure supporting the community'.
As the arrival of our new vessels get closer, we will be increasing our updates about any changes to the check-in or loading procedures. We will provide notifications to any changed conditions at the terminal as a result of the upgrade to the Weinam Creek development. Please keep an eye out on our website, socials and in your inbox for the latest information.
Modification of Moongalba
We are spending nearly $500,000 to modify Moongalba to be able to use the link span and operate from Redland Bay to the Bay Islands. We are hoping for the modification to be completed in early December and for the first of our two link spans to arrive and be installed prior.
This will allow us to start using the link span prior to the arrival of the new builds and will also mean we will be able to operate all Bay Island services from Redland Bay and will return Quandamooka to the Stradbroke service ready for Christmas.
Online Booking for Trucks
In our effort to improve our customer experience, we've introduced the capability for customers to now book trucks online. This new feature is designed to simplify logistics and improve efficiency for those requiring larger vehicle transportation and allow bookings to be made anytime during the week - 24 x 7. It's a step towards digitising and modernising our service offerings to meet the evolving needs of customers.
Dynamic Timetable for SMBI Services
Another notable advancement is the update of our timetable to a dynamic format on our website. This allows SMBI customers to access real-time data, including any schedule changes or additional service times. This move provides more accurate and timely information, ensuring our customers are always informed.
Exploring New Connections
Looking towards new opportunities, we are exploring the possibility of trialling a passenger ferry service between the Bay Islands and North Stradbroke Island. This potential service aims to open new pathways for connectivity and convenience for the community, reflecting our ongoing commitment to expanding and improving our ferry services. We are finalising details and will make an official announcement later this month!
