03/11/2025
Spencer Gulf Searoad today announced the suspension of its Wallaroo – Lucky Bay ferry service.
Spencer Gulf Searoad CEO, Kieran Carvill, confirmed the decision, stating that the current older vessel, Aurora V, has been in Yamba, NSW, since July, undergoing a refit following its recent sale, with the objective of replacing her with a future proofed vessel.
"We have tried and exhausted all efforts to secure a suitable, high-quality interim vessel," said Mr. Carvill. "Unfortunately, every option evaluated was unsuitable for the crossing, deemed too old, or non-compliant with stringent 2025 regulatory standards. The safety and compliance of our operations are paramount, leaving us no choice but to pause the service temporarily."
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Searoad
Spencer Gulf Searoad is progressing its long-term strategy. The design for a new, permanent State of the art electrical vessel has been finalised and is currently lodged with Lloyd’s Register, awaiting final plan approval.
During this necessary downtime, Spencer Gulf Searoad needs the resolution of some significant outstanding operational issues, including:
• The Unfair VTS Fee: We require the removal of the voyage ‘dog leg’ VTS fee imposed by Flinders Ports, a charge that is not levied on any other ferry company anywhere in Australia or, to our knowledge, globally.
• Regulatory Obstruction: While we had a dredging licence for the Wallaroo berth, we face heavy regulatory hurdles to carrying out dredging works, causing cost and a lack of plannability to the service. We will need a resolution to this costly red tape in dealing with ongoing maintenance dredging currently being imposed on the company.
Spencer Gulf Searoad, thanks its customers for their patience and understanding and will provide updates as soon as the long-term vessel plans are approved and a re-launch date can be confirmed.
