The new Spirit of Tasmania vessels will deliver significant benefit to Tasmania’s visitor economy and the broader Tasmanian economy.
As TT-Line fast tracks new berthing infrastructure for the Spirit of Tasmania replacement vessels, your frequently asked questions are answered below.
Construction of Berth 3 in Devonport Port is underway, following expert advice that it is the most cost-effective and efficient option. Pile-driving works began in November.
Berth 3 is expected to be completed by February 2027. All efforts will be focused on bringing this date forward to October 2026, in time for the peak summer period.
We have two well-maintained, functional ferries crossing Bass Strait each and every day – they will continue to operate as normal.
The Tasmanian Government has instructed TT-Line to cease negotiations and continue plans to relocate Spirit of Tasmania IV to Tasmania. Spirit V is still under construction in Finland and is not due to be completed until mid-2025.
We remain committed to supporting Tasmanian businesses to deliver the final fit out. Most of the local content has now been installed on Spirits IV and V in Finland with local businesses and employers already reaping the benefits.
The finishing touches – such as artwork, mattresses and blankets - have already been purchased from Tasmanian businesses, and the timing of the final installation will be determined following any leasing arrangements that are made.
These ports do not have the sophisticated ramping infrastructure for cars and caravans.
No. The two existing vessels continue to operate, with additional sailings being added to meet demand. Between now and May 2025, 502 sailings are scheduled, including 138 day sailings. And, with 89 per cent of visitors entering Tasmania via air, we are doing everything we can to back in our aviation industry through our tourism and hospitality support package.
We’ve already scheduled an extra 28 sailings on the current Spirits during 2025. This is on top of the additional sailings that TT-Line schedules annually in response to customer demand with 502 sailings scheduled between now and May 2025. We are working closely with our tourism and freight sectors to understand their needs and are firmly committed to bring additional capacity on where there is demand.
As a result of the additional sailings, plus TT-Line’s work to rearrange its vehicle decks to optimise the availability of high space from January to April 2025, more than 300 high space vehicles have been cleared from the waitlist. We know there is demand for people travelling with caravans and high vehicles, and these actions are helping to boost patronage and increase capacity for freight.
TT-Line is responsible for delivering the Berth 3 project.
We have announced sweeping reforms of Government businesses to ensure they take a Team Tasmania approach. The plan proposes a merger of TT-Line, TasPorts and TasRail, uniting our key transport and logistics under a single operation. The Government Business Governance Reform - Draft Plan is available at www.treasury.tas.gov.au