Kangaroo Island SeaLink

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See also: Kangaroo Island#Sea Transport

Kangaroo Island SeaLink

Type	Ferry and tour operator
Founded	1989
Headquarters	Adelaide
Key people	Chief Executive Officer - Jeff Ellison
Website	http://www.sealink.com.au

The Sealion 2000 arriving at Penneshaw.

Kangaroo Island SeaLink is a privately owned South Australian ferry company and tour operator which has plied the crossing from mainland South Australia to Kangaroo Island since 1989. From 1989 to 1994, Kangaroo Island Sealink was owned by the Malaysian company MBF. In 1994 the company was sold to a consortium of staff members and Kangaroo Island residents. SeaLink's two currently operating ferries, Sealion 2000 and Spirit of Kangaroo Island, cross Backstairs Passage from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw in about 45 minutes, up to 10 times daily.

SeaLink had acquired the previous ferry service founded by Peter March. Its first vessel was Philanderer 3, the first of March's vessels to carry vehicles. In later years, the company operated the Island Navigator (purchased 1990), also a car carrying ferry, as the designated freight and fuel carrier.

SeaLink has outlasted several competing companies since it began operations. Boat Torque, a Western Australian company, operated Superflyte from 1994 until 1997, whilst Kangaroo Island Ferries had a short-lived venture with SeaWay, from September 2004 until February 2005. Under different ownership, SeaWay recommenced services in August 2007, before its operations were suspended in May 2008.

SeaLink holds a virtual monopoly on oversea transport, primarily due to its long term lease of the Cape Jervis berth. Sealink's agreement with the SA Government, expiring in 2024, precludes other operators from utilising the Cape Jervis facility for one hour before, and one hour after any scheduled SeaLink service. Kangaroo Island residents have expressed displeasure with the exclusive arrangement granted to SeaLink.^[1]

SeaLink also enjoys state government subsidies with respect to its freight charges.

In September 2004 Sealink acquired Subritzky Shipping of Auckland New Zealand, and re-named it as the SeaLink Travel Group. In Auckland, SeaLink operates regular services to Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island. Sealink's former Island Navigator services Great Barrier Island. SeaLink New Zealand have four other vessels.