Incat ferry project electrifies Gutwein

FORMER premier Peter Gutwein said a desire to make the world a better place was a factor in his decision to help Incat go green.

The Hobart-based ferry builder has hired Mr Gutwein as a strategic adviser to help the company transition into building electric ferries.

Chairman Bob Clifford says he can at least double his workforce if he can revolutionise Incat to produce and retrofit zero-emissions ferries.

Mr Gutwein’s role will be to advise the board and executive on the pathway to realising Mr Clifford’s green dream.

“After I came out of government, one of the things I decided to do after taking a significant break was to focus on how I can make the world a better place,” Mr Gutwein said.

“And one of the things Incat will do, in turning out these electric ferries, is significantly lower the emissions from the world shipping fleet as a result. That’s both good for the planet and importantly it will be good for Tasmania.”

Mr Gutwein will be working his extensive network of contacts to further Incat’s expansion plans.

“I’d like (Climate Change Minister) Chris Bowen to visit in the new year. The new federal government have got a real appetite for lower emissions and a plan to deliver it. I think it’s important that a company like Incat is well and truly on their radar,” he said.

After two years of fact finding and meeting with potential customers around the world, Mr Clifford is convinced Incat’s future lies in electric technology.

“I’ve had a number of trips to Europe and SA on that subject recently. I came back from my last trip to Europe with a number of potential customers that are very, very interested in electric propulsion. I’m absolutely confident it’s the way to go for the future,” he said.

Mr Clifford indicated the company would be pursuing federal and state government support, and looking for more land beyond Incat’s home at Derwent Park.

“There are possibilities of small expansion on this site but because we are limited by the geography we can’t do too much. We will have to look at that when the time comes,” he said.

In June last year Mr Gutwein, as premier, signed off on a $100m taxpayerguaranteed loan to help Incat build a 120m catamaran for sale on the world market.

The loan followed stern words from Mr Clifford over the Liberals’ Bass Strait ferry deal.

Mr Clifford said the decision to build new Spirit of Tasmania ferries overseas was “a kick in the guts” for the local industry.

One of the things I decided to do after taking a significant break was to focus on how I can make the world a better place

PETER GUTWEIN