More delays for new Spirit of Tasmania vessels

Plans to bring the Spirit of Tasmania IV home have been delayed.

The ship was expected to leave Scotland on Monday, but a “technical issue” with the vessel’s liquefied natural gas has pushed back the departure date.

Transport Minister Eric Abetz said the Spirit of Tasmania V was suffering the same issue.

That vessel was built by Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Construction (RMC) and is now undergoing sea trials.

It was during those trials that the technical issue was detected.

“RMC has advised TT-Line that the issue needs further assessment and rectification, and as a result, Spirit IV will not depart for Australia until the work is completed,” Mr Abetz said.

“The Government is awaiting further details in relation to a new expected departure date, but it is understood that this work will take some time.”

Mr Abetz said any repair costs for the new Spirits were covered under warranty with RMC.

“The Tasmanian Government and TT-Line will continue to provide updates as further information comes to hand.

“The ship will be relocated to Hobart as soon as possible for final fit-out.”

The delivery of the new Spirits and the associated terminal infrastructure has been plagued with delays.

The Spirit of Tasmania IV has been docked in the Port of Leith in Scotland because it cannot sail between Geelong and Devonport.

The required terminal infrastructure in Devonport remains incomplete and is expected to be finished in October 2026, albeit $400m over budget.