Residents of Melbourne will be able to welcome TT-Line�s new passenger and passenger vehicle vessels Spirit of Tasmania I and II at a special open day at Station Pier on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August between 10am and 4pm.

Built in Finland in 1998, the identical 194-metre-long vessels were purchased by TT-Line Company Pty Ltd for $290 million and will operate a daily service between Port Melbourne and Devonport on Tasmania�s north-west coast.

TT-Line Manager Corporate Communications Ms Simone Ferrier said the open day had been planned in close association with the Rotary Club of Brighton North.

Ms Ferrier said while it was difficult to predict how many people would look over the ships over the two days, she was expecting many people to take up the invitation.

�TT-Line held a highly successful open day on the current Spirit of Tasmania two years ago which attracted more than 10,000 people and raised $15,000 for local charities,� she said.

�This time we are opening two brand new vessels to the public for the first time so we expect interest to be high.�

Ms Ferrier said TT-Line and the Rotary Club of Brighton North had arranged entertainment for both days.

�A selection of food vans selling basic fast food, donuts, hot spuds, chips, hot dogs and hot and cold drinks will also be available,� she said.

�In addition, there will also be an opportunity to purchase the best Tasmanian food and wine and talk to Tasmanian tourist operators about the state�s hidden attractions.�

Rotary will charge an entry fee of $5 for a family (maximum six people) or $2 for adults. Children over 10 will pay $1 while children under 10 are free. All funds raised will go toward Rotary charities.

Disabled access to both vessels will be provided.

Limited parking will be available on Saturday in the freight area for a small fee. There is also metered parking adjacent to Station Pier. Patrons can also catch a tram to Station Pier from the city. For more information on the open day weekend people can call 1800 777 462.

For further information contact: Simone Ferrier Manager Corporate Communications TT-Line Company Pty Ltd Tel: 9206 6220