Bellarine Express unveiled, along with faster speeds

PORT Phillip Ferries has introduced a new vessel which will service its Portarlington to Docklands route.

The Bellarine Express has been designed to provide a better transport solution by transferring local residents and visitors to Victoria’s major destinations quickly and comfortably.

Bellarine Express will seamlessly navigate both Port Phillip and the Yarra River.

Little Group chairman Paul Little said the new vessel would carry 400 passengers and offered an efficient journey with all the comforts of other transport options and more.

It features a licensed café on board, bike rack storage, free Wi-Fi, charging stations for electronic devices and better table and seating configurations, including drop-down tables on the back of seats.

“Featuring low-emission engines, Bellarine Express is one of the most environmentally friendly ferries travelling Australian waters,” Mr Little said.

“And with the latest designs to increase speed, it’s also one of the most efficient.”

The launch of the ferry came at the same time the state government announced a new trial of faster speeds in the Yarra for Port Phillip Ferries

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said the Andrews government had granted the company an exemption to the speed limit in the Yarra as part of a three-month trial, which was expected to cut journey times by seven minutes.

“With services guaranteed until at least 2019, faster speeds in the Yarra, and a safe harbour in Portarlington – it’s full steam ahead for the Portarlington to Docklands Ferry,” Ms Neville said.

“I am confident that the ferry’s popularity will grow over summer as more people discover this fast and convenient way to travel to the Bellarine.

“We’re proud to support this venture, which is boosting tourism on the Bellarine and providing an alternative way for Bellarine residents to head into Melbourne.”

The new vessel will join the Capricornian Dancer on the route between Portarlington and Docklands in the next month.