Devonport’s new ferry terminal and berth are nearing completion as the new Spirit of Tasmania IV ferry finally arrived at its new home.
The ferry arrived last week for operational commissioning and training, says Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
“The process confirms the port operates safely and reliably under operational conditions,” he says.
The premier expects the new Spirit IV and V ferries to boost tourism and freight capacity by 40% once services start in two months.
“I very much look forward to seeing both vessels operating on the Mersey River in October,” he says.
TT-Line Chairman Ken Kanofski says the company is excited to see Spirit IV arrive at the Port of Devonport.
DEVONPORT PREPARATIONS FOR FERRY
“We had a team of dedicated and highly committed people work hard over two days on the operational commissioning,” he said.
“This includes real-world commissioning and training of the systems and equipment that connect our ships to the terminal.
“We will confirm each connection operates safely and reliably under operational conditions.”
Kanofski says the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels are their first new builds and the ferries will have a lifespan of crossing the Bass Strait of more than 25-years.
“The vessels were designed and built with Bass Strait in mind featuring an enhanced hull design and large stabiliser fins to ensure optimal passenger comfort during their 242-kilometre voyage between Devonport and Geelong (Victoria),” he says.
Of the new facilities, he says: “The new Spirit Quay, Terminal 3 Devonport will be an iconic gateway in and out of our state for countless numbers of visitors and freight.”
The new ferries are longer (212 metres to 195m) compared to Spirit I and II and can carry more passengers (1138 in 301 cabins compared to 750 in 222 cabins.
Both ferries were built in Finland and forced to dock in Leith, Scotland, for months before setting sail for Australia.
