The World’s Longest Vehicle Ferry Crossing Bass Strait | The Bass Trader | 1961

Filmed in 1961, this Australian Diary film documents the Bass Trader, a 4,000‑ton freighter ferry operating what was then regarded as the world’s longest vehicular ferry service, linking mainland Australia with the island state of Tasmania across Bass Strait. An early morning arrival in Port Phillip Bay sets the scene as the vessel loads in Melbourne for the 230‑mile crossing, undertaken three times a week. Heavily laden semi‑trailers, prepackaged freight, processed timber, motor vehicles and special cargo are carried via a hydraulically operated stern door, a partly open crane deck and forward holds. At each port, purpose‑built wharf cranes handle the loading and unloading of open deck cargo. The film also highlights the Bass Trader’s unusual engineering design. She was believed to be the first ship in the world whose main engines and generators could be completely removed by crane and replaced with standby units for maintenance, allowing the entire operation to be completed within eight hours and minimising turnaround time. As the vessel cruises south at a steady 14 knots through the often unpredictable waters of Bass Strait, the journey concludes at Devonport, the commercial centre of northern Tasmania. With a cargo capacity of 1,400 tons and a crew of 31, the Australian‑built Bass Trader played a vital role in moving freight, heavy machinery and Royal Mail services, forming an essential sea road between the mainland and Tasmania. The Australian Diary Series (1947–1970) records aspects of everyday life, industry and production in mid‑20th‑century Australia. To watch more Australian Diary films visit: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCED13FCE809FD297 CHAPTERS 0:00 Early morning arrival in Port Phillip Bay 0:35 The world’s longest vehicle ferry service 0:42 Loading in Melbourne for the Bass Strait crossing 0:46 Vehicle deck capacity and semi‑trailers 0:57 Stern door loading and freight-only prime movers 1:10 Mixed cargo and crane deck operations 1:31 Unusual design and modular engine replacement 1:58 Crossing Bass Strait at cruising speed 2:12 Southbound journey to Devonport 2:35 Rapid unloading and cargo capacity 2:55 Crew accommodation and ship construction 3:08 Heavy earthmoving vehicles ashore 3:20 Royal Mail delivery 3:27 A vital sea road to Tasmania From the Film Australia Collection, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia Title: Australian Diary No. 119 NFSA ID: 4SR2GXME Catalogue ID: 1613 Year: 1961 Credits: Production Company: Australian Commonwealth Film Unit Director: Jack S. Allan #basstrader #bassstrait #tasmania #shippinghistory #australiandiary #NFSA #FilmAustraliaCollection #documentary