SeaLink Names Craig Heron Chief Operating Officer
The Australian ferry operator has appointed a maritime executive from TT-Line Company as it expands into New Zealand.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
SeaLink has appointed Craig Heron as chief operating officer, joining from TT-Line Company where he was general manager, port operations. The appointment comes as SeaLink prepares to expand into New Zealand through Auckland Transport's Western Package ferry contract.
Why it matters
The Auckland contract, awarded following a joint bid by SeaLink and Belaire Ferries, marks the operator's entry into the New Zealand market. Heron's executive background is expected to support the company's operational growth across its expanding network.
Craig Heron brings more than 20 years of maritime operational and executive experience to the role. SeaLink plans to invest in five new vessels over five years for Auckland's ferry network, with services scheduled to begin 1 July 2027.
The players
SeaLink
SeaLink is an Australian ferry and marine transport operator serving routes including Kangaroo Island in South Australia.
Craig Heron
Craig Heron is a maritime transport executive who previously served as general manager of port operations at TT-Line Company.
Auckland Transport
Auckland Transport is the public transport authority responsible for transit services across the Auckland region of New Zealand.
Belaire Ferries
Belaire Ferries is a ferry operator that submitted a joint bid with SeaLink for the Auckland Western Package contract.
The details
Heron joins SeaLink from TT-Line Company in Tasmania, where he led port operations. The first of SeaLink's new, larger ferries to Kangaroo Island began service this week, and a second new vessel is on its way to South Australia.
Timeline
Earlier this year: SeaLink awarded Auckland Transport's Western Package ferry services contract.
2 November 2026: Heron's appointment as chief operating officer reported.
1 July 2027: Auckland ferry services contract scheduled to commence.
Roadmap
SeaLink's move into Auckland reflects a broader pattern of Australian maritime operators seeking public ferry contracts across the Tasman. The contract brings a regional transport network into SeaLink's portfolio alongside its existing South Australian routes.
Travelers planning trips between Auckland and surrounding areas may see new ferry services once the Western Package contract begins in mid-2027. Those visiting Kangaroo Island or South Australia should expect the newer, larger SeaLink vessels now entering service.
The takeaway
Expansion into new markets and leadership appointments often signal an operator preparing for long-term infrastructure investment. Travelers tracking ferry routes across Australia and New Zealand should watch for schedule changes as new vessels enter service.
What happens next
Services for the Auckland Western Package contract are scheduled to commence on 1 July 2027, when SeaLink's new vessel program begins operating.
Further reading
Explore more on Australia and New Zealand travel destinations and transport.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Travel Weekly.
