The Tasmanian Government has said it is focused on fast tracking the development of improved infrastructure at Devonport which would allow the new Spirits of Tasmania vessels to operate as soon as possible.
After a series of delays and mis-steps, one of two new Spirit vessels has already been built but cannot begin sailing across the Bass Strait until the new Berth 3 has been constructed.
The new Spirit of Tasmania ships are longer, wider and taller than their predecessors, and the delays in getting them into service has been a source of frustration for everybody … not least grey nomads and other Tassie-bound travellers.
The new TT-Line boat Spirit of Tasmania IV. PIC: Rauma Marine Constructions
The state’s Minister for Transport, Eric Abetz, said the Government had been pursuing every opportunity to accelerate works on the new berth and bring forward the current anticipated completion date of February 2027.
“TT-Line has been working to identify opportunities to fast track the existing gantry design and foundations methodology for several months,” he said. “Following ongoing geotechnical investigations onsite and engagement with a range of technical experts, TT-Line has identified a potential alternative design for the gantry and methodology for the foundations that maximise the opportunity to deliver the project as quickly as possible.”
The most significant time crucial element of Berth 3 is the design and construction of the main gantry structure, including its foundations.
Mr Abetz said the matter was considered in detail by the new board of TT-Line at its meeting on March 17, and has been endorsed by the Government’s steering committee.
“TT-Line is now working with contractors to implement a revised work plan that could fast track the project’s delivery prior to February 2027,” Mr Abetz said. “Works will continue on-site during this time.”
The upgraded berth will accommodate two new Spirit of Tasmania vessels, with the first expected to arrive in Tasmania in the coming months.
The Pulse Tasmania publication reports that Intensive construction work will begin at the end of the month with the installation of 27 large steel piles into the Mersey riverbed and continue until the end of 2025.
The new ships will increase the annual passenger capacity on the Bass Strait route by almost 30%, the lane metres for passenger cars and freight by 60%, and the cabin capacity by approximately 35%, while the environmental impact of shipping will be significantly reduced.
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
We’ve been to Tassie, it’s not worth the return fare.
We could travel from Melbourne to Cape York for the same outlay of cash.
Many thanks for this very relevant information. Had not considered this……jt
Brilliant comment 86GTS…So you are saying if you want to travel to tour Tasmania, save the money and you can travel to Cape York ??? We paid to come over and thoroughly enjoying the whole experience and Cape York would be the last place I would waste money on going too..Do you get my point?
Irrelevant comment 86GTS. We’ve just spent 10 fantastic weeks touring around Tassie in our motorhome, mostly off grid and very cheap, and can honestly say the cost of the ferry was worth every cent. We live in North Queensland and can’t understand why you’d compare Cape York to Tasmania.
“Fast tracked works” generally increase the “Long term problems” which end up costing a lot more than may have been saved. Part 2 of the problem is the second rate failed pollie(s) involved on the Gov’t side.
Love Tassie and have been once with the van. We were looking at going again next February but was going to cost over $2500 return for us including a cabin. Shame its not cheaper as its a beautiful place but we can buy a lot of diesel on the mainland for that money!!
Wow thanks for that information that would put us completely on the back foot to go over there at all. We thought next year too . But that cost is totally out of the question for us.
Jo it does depend on the size of the car and caravan and if you want an over night cabin. We’ve got a van 25foot outside length from bumper bar to end of tow ball and Landcruiser. . You can reduce price if you dont have a cabin.
You could hire a lot of caravan for $2500
The new boat is sitting in a Scottish harbour
Lests hope they can sort out their problems.
At the moment the way things are going, I will wait.
There is plenty to see on the main land.
Question: Will the eventual arrival of the new vessels make you more likely to cross the Bass Strait?
Answer: No. You don’t have to wait for the new vessels as the existing ones are fine so go while you can.