Devonport’s new $16 million Spirit of Tasmania ferry passenger terminal is to be built by a local contractor.
VOS Construction and Joinery will build the timber terminal in time to have it open for the first sailing of the new ferries from Devonport to Geelong next October, the state government says.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kerry Vincent says it is fantastic that the contract went to a local company.
“Vos has already played an important role in delivering the project at Devonport …,” he says.
“As well as supporting local businesses, the Spirit of Tasmania project is delivering employment and training opportunities, particularly for young Tasmanians.”
Vos Construction Manager Northern Tasmania Kieran Rimmelzwaan says the project consists of a new terminal building, car parking, landscaping and a wash bay.
“This work follows Vos’s previous work on the site, which involved building seven ancillary buildings,” he explains.
“We also built two retaining walls at the site. The first, at the southern end, is 163 meters long and separates the freight yard and the freight entrance driveway while the second is 175 meters long and located further north.”
DEVONPORT SITE
Rimmelzwaan says the new project will involve 100-120 workers, on-site and at their workshop, with about a fifth of the workforces being apprentices.
“Vos is a major employer of apprentices on the north-west coast so it is important that the company secures work like this for the work development of its apprentices and the industry’s overall benefit,” he says.
“Up to 20 per cent of Vos’ workforce at the site will be apprentices, working directly for Vos or for one of its subcontractors.”
TT Line Company Pty Ltd CEO Chris Carbone congratulated Vos Construction on its selection as contractor.
“Construction activities on site were progressing on schedule to go live in October 2026,” Carbone says.
“All marine pile casings are complete ahead of schedule.”
The fabrication of a gantry began in May and a successful trial assembly held last month.
The gantry is to be packed up for shipping to Tasmania early in January 2026 and should arrive in Devonport in February.
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