King Island shipping service preparing for planned vessel maintenance

Posted 08 May 2026

TasPorts’ King Island shipping service, Bass Island Line (BIL), will maintain its regular shipping service to King Island during the scheduled maintenance of its vessel John Duigan later this year.

John Duigan is scheduled to depart for dry docking in Yamba in August 2026 for up to eight weeks, returning to service in October 2026, following completion of its planned maintenance.

To ensure the ongoing provision of safe and reliable shipping for the King Island community, BIL will continue to provide its regular service using an interim charter vessel - Investigator II.

BIL General Manager Toby Terry said, maintaining reliable service for customers had been a key priority in planning the works.

“We understand the importance of consistent and reliable shipping for the King Island community and have planned these works carefully to minimise disruption, through the provision of an interim charter vessel and scheduling maintenance during the off-peak season.

“We’re also working closely with customers and shipping agents to understand their cargo needs and accommodate demand during this period.

“Planned vessel maintenance is essential for any shipping line. These works will underpin the ongoing safe provision of BIL’s King Island service and will inform future maintenance projects for John Duigan.

“As part of these planned works, BIL will also complete its required five-year commercial vessel class survey, as regulated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority,” Mr Terry said. 

“Our focus remains on service continuity and clear communication with our customers,” he said.