End of an era for Tasmanian shipyard

West Australian based shipbuilder, Austal, is closing its shipyards in southern Tasmania a month earlier than expected. Austal told its 116 workers at its Margate facility three months ago that it would be closing in September, after its last contract was completed.

The two 41 metre ferries are being loaded on a lifting-ship at Hobart's Princes Wharf today, bound for Trinidad and Tobago.
Austal's Andrew Bellamy says construction was finished ahead of schedule.
"It is unfortunately the end of Austal in Margate," he said.
"The equipment has been in the processes of being consolidated and packed up over the last few weeks and now the work's finished the yard will close."
Earlier this year, Austal blamed the global financial crisis and falling demand for the decision to close, saying the market has changed to favour smaller ships which are built more efficently at its Western Australian shipyard.