The state government is pushing to bring forward the completion date for Devonport’s new Spirit of Tasmania berth, Transport Minister Eric Abetz says.
Currently scheduled for completion in February 2027, the project could now be finished sooner following an apparent ‘breakthrough’ in the design of a key gantry structure.
“The government has always said that it would pursue every opportunity to bring forward the timeline for delivery of the new Berth 3,” Abetz said.
“The most significant time crucial element of Berth 3 is the design and construction of the main gantry structure, including its foundations.”
TT-Line has identified a “potential alternative design” for the gantry and its foundations, Abetz said, though he did not go into specifics.
Instead, he said it had been endorsed by infrastructure experts and could “maximise the opportunity to deliver the project as quickly as possible”.
The upgraded berth will accommodate two new Spirit of Tasmania vessels, with the first expected to arrive in Tasmania in the coming months.
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.
East Devonport locals have been told drilling will run 24 hours a day on weekdays and until 6pm on Saturdays.
“Noise barriers and quieter equipment will be used where practical,” locals were told in a letter from the project team, which also outlined plans for continuous noise monitoring during the works.
“However, due to unforeseen conditions such as weather, soil conditions or the need for continuous piling, work may occasionally extend beyond 6pm on Saturdays or take place on Sundays, both during the day and at night.”
“Pile installation must continue without interruption for correct installation.”
