Frustration is growing over the continuing uncertainty about exactly when the two new replacement Spirit of Tasmania vessels will be built, and be ready to begin ferrying passengers – and caravans – across the Bass Strait.
The company tasked with their construction, Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), is facing growing financial problems due, in part, to the knock-on effects of the war in Ukraine.
The Tasmanian Government has just confirmed that Spirit operator, TT-Line, has agreed to pay an additional $81 million to the shipbuilder, with the Finnish government committing to match this amount — and also to underwrite the future financial viability of RMC.
The Tasmanian Government first announced the new Spirits in 2017, and signed a $714 million contract with a German shipbuilder for their completion by 2021.
Back in 2022, Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), announced it had started building Spirit of Tasmania V. PIC: RMC
However, that shipbuilder went under, and the Finnish replacement has also suffered a series of setbacks.
The first new vessel is now slated for completion in the third quarter of 2024, and the second in the first quarter of 2025 … but further delays remain a possibility.
The ABC reports that, even when construction finishes on the two Spirit vessels, they aren’t guaranteed to enter immediate service.
Local fit-out will need to occur, and berths at Devonport need to be upgraded to accommodate the significantly larger ships.
Economist Saul Eslake told the ABC that he estimated that every 12 months of delays would cost the Tasmanian economy $350 million.
Devonport mayor Alison Jarman told ABC Radio that it was frustrating for the region, with tourism operators keen for the increased traffic with the new vessels.
“If we could just get a real date, that would really be very helpful in the first instance,” she said.
“It just gets hard when they keep telling us when, and then having to move that date.”
In a statement, TT-Line told the ABC the process would be worthwhile in the long run.
“The vessels are going to have an expected 30-year life on Bass Strait, so a delivery delay of this magnitude is not a major cause for concern,” it said. “For the obvious reasons it is important that the company does not rush any of this to ensure Tasmania has the best and most reliable ships we can to operate on Bass Strait between Devonport and Geelong.”
The two current Spirit of Tasmania vessels were built in 1998. When their replacements eventually do arrive, the ABC says they will increase passenger capacity from 1,400 to 1,800, bring the number of cabins from 222 to 301, and allow for 40% more passenger and freight vehicles.
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
When will we learn!!! Ships. = South Australia. Train’s .= Maryborough QLD. Busses. = Brisbane QLD.
Car’s = ????
Why would you bother to go to Tasmania when you cannot confirm a return date on your initial booking for the Caravan and car.
Tassie is on the back burner till they lift their game.
Not only can you not get a booking when you want, or an actual cost of the trip but you will be forced to
empty your reserve Jerry cans of fuel that you just filled. Once in Tas. when an emergency requires you to dash back to your home state, your only option is to dump your vehicles and fly back, add to that the painfully higher prices for everything,the woefully poor service and the two weeks of “summer” you may be reconsidering your choice. I have been a resident in Tasmania for over 20 years and have been unable to attend many short notice and emergency events with my motor-home to the mainland. The entire state needs to”lift their game” but fly over and see how the other half lives.
The increased capacity of the new ships will be reached in the first five years if not sooner. The next twenty five years?? Keeping the bookings tight as it is now, won’t allow for cheaper fares under the present pricing system.The tighter the bookings,higher the prices!
Seems we are going to have to enjoy Tassie during winter time as it’s the only time we can get a booking with a big van. Maybe by next year we can convince ourselves.