Historical information
Princess of Tasmania operated for 19 years across Bass Strait from 1952 to 1972
Empress of Tasmania operated for 14 years across Bass Strait from 1972 to 1986 when it was replaced by the Abel Tasman which still operating
Significance
Vessels operated through the Rip and Port Phillip for 19 and 14 years respectively
Physical description
5 Photographs: 1. MV Princess of Tasmania, 2. MV Empress of Australia, 3. Rip in 1951, 4. PV Akuna, 5. unknown photo
References
- MV Princess of Tasmania Princess of Tasmania sailed on her maiden voyage on 23 September 1959. On entering service, she was used on the Devonport to Melbourne route across Bass Strait. The ship continued operating until 1972, when replaced by the Empress of Australia.[
- MV Empress of Australia In 1972, the ship was transferred to the Melbourne to Tasmania route, replacing MS Princess of Tasmania.[3][4] She was modified at the State Dockyard: the installation of 190 reclining seats in the original lounge increased her passenger capacity to 440, and a deck was added at the aft end.[3] Empress of Australia began sailing between Melbourne and Devonport on 28 June 1972, and continued making Bass Strait crossings until 1986.[3]
