Ferry passenger trial ‘this month’

A “full passenger trial” of a ferry from Portarlington to Melbourne is set to begin in the next fortnight, according to a local group pushing for the service.
The mid-week trial would follow May’s launch of ferry services between Wyndham and Docklands by the same company involved in the Portarlington plan.
Port Phillip Ferries conducted a “safety and speed trial” of the Portarlington-Docklands run last month.
Bellarine Ferry Group revealed the impending Portarlington passenger trial in an email to members and local stakeholders this week.
Port Phillip Ferries had sent a vessel to help Parks Victoria build a temporary berth to allow the passenger trial, Geoff Henderson wrote in the ferry group email alert.
“We expect that a full passenger trial will take place before the end of July. The trial will be from Portarlington to Docklands and return.”
Mr Henderon said the trial would be mid-week on a “first-in, first-served” basis for anyone wanting to board the ferry.
Port Phillip Ferries said in June that a passenger trial would “be conducted in the coming month”, subject to the speed and safety test.
The company was unable to confirm a trial date before the Indy went to press late Thursday afternoon.
But in May the Indy report that Port Phillip Ferries chairman Paul Little said the company would be “very happy” to operate from Portarlington if demand was sufficient.
Port Phillip Ferries’ began its Werribee service on 16 May following a trial run to Docklands.
The company described patronage as “very strong” on weekends but “disappointing” weekday numbers prompted a reduction in charges from $20 to similar with train fares, $7.80 for a return trip.
Mr Henderson and fellow group member John Rae rode the ferry during the Portarlington speed and safety trial.
The ride was “fabulous”, Mr Rae told the Indy afterward.
“When we are clear of the speed restrictions we went up to 25 knots and even though it was a bad day you could not feel a thing,” he said.
“It was blustery and choppy but it was fine in the seating area. It is a lovely way to go to the office.”
Parks Victoria’s ongoing safe harbour development at Portarlington has included berthing facilities for a passenger ferry.
Locals have been lobbying for the service for around a decade.