This weekend, the high-speed vessel Devil Cat will return to its Bass Strait summer service between Station Pier, Port Melbourne and the northern Tasmanian township of George Town.

The 2001/2002 season will commence on Sunday 16 December 2001 and will operate until Sunday 7 April 2002, undertaking 122 crossings.

The Cat is capable of reaching speeds of 40 knots or 80 kilometres per hour and can complete a single crossing of Bass Strait in just six hours!

With the capacity to carry in excess of 740 passengers and more than 200 cars, the addition of Devil Cat to TT-Line's summer service significantly increases the company's capacity to carry passengers and vehicles between Tasmania and mainland Australia.

The vessel is Australia�s largest commercial high-speed catamaran and is designed to pierce waves instead of ride over them. It is about 50 tonnes heavier that the replica sailing ship, Endeavour.

Some other interesting facts include:

1. At 91.2 metres, is almost as long as a soccer field. 2. Has 450 kilometres of electrical wire on board and the generators produce enough power for 60 houses. 3. Each of the 4 engines drive a water jet 1.45 metres in diameter through a gearbox. 18000 litres of water per second flow from each which is: a. Enough water to fill an Olympic size swimming pool in 35 seconds! b. Enough water to fill 77 thousand beer glasses per second! 4. Has aluminium in its construction enough for: a. 27 million beverage cans b. Enough household foil to go around the world several times

Travelling on Devil Cat is a relaxing and exhilarating journey. Passengers can choose from music, videos and movies, or just sit back relax and enjoy the high-speed luxury of a daylight crossing of Bass Strait.

Devil Cat's departure and arrival times in George Town and Melbourne have been set to meet customer preferences. The vessel departs Melbourne for Tasmania on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8.30am arriving at 2.30pm (same day). The vessel departs Tasmania for Melbourne Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 2.30pm arriving at 8.30pm (same day).

Fares start from $150* per person one-way and taking the car has never been more affordable, with prices starting from $40* one-way. * Conditions apply

Booking and enquires can be made by calling TT-Line on 13 20 10.

For further information please contact: Ms Simone Ferrier TT-Line Manager Corporate Communications Telephone 03 9206 6220