New Spirit of Tasmania ferries embark on historic trip

Two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries, Spirit Tasmania IV and V, embarked on their maiden voyages across Bass Strait on Saturday night, marking a new era in the history of the route. The larger vessels, costing $717 million and a decade over budget, carry 400 extra passengers and 60% more vehicles than their predecessors.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff hailed the launch as a new chapter for Tasmania, highlighting the potential for more visitors, support for local businesses, and freight operators. Enthusiastic travelers, including motorhome enthusiasts Ricky Glass and Trudi Lane, arrived at the Geelong terminal early on Saturday morning. Glass had been planning for the inaugural trip for 18 months, saying he wanted to be part of history and be one of the first on the new ferry.

Peter and Lynette Tegen, who arrived at the terminal 10 hours before departure, boarded the new vessel with a more fortunate start. The ferries feature upgraded cabins, a gaming zone, a movie theatre, and an island-flavored experience to give travelers a taste of Tasmania. Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Clark emphasized that the journey begins when passengers board the Spirit, promising an experience that reflects the quality, character, and hospitality visitors can expect.

The replacement ferries were initially scheduled for delivery in 2021, but delays due to COVID-19, global conflict, and a decision to pursue a local builder pushed back the timeline. The project became a global headline in 2024 when it was revealed that a new berth in Devonport, Tasmania, wouldn't be ready before the ships, forcing the government to berth one of the vessels in Scotland.

The project ended up being $717 million over budget, with TT-Line, a ferry operator and state-government-owned company, facing a $506 million taxpayer bailout in 2026. TT-Line is also paying to berth the older ships, with advanced negotiations underway for a buyer. The company is expected to remain in debt until at least 2052, with a peak debt of $1.1 billion in the current financial year, a figure Premier Rockliff said he was comfortable with to provide generational infrastructure.