Transport Minister Eric Abetz has assured Tasmanians that the warranty on the two new Spirit of Tasmania ships will not be compromised if they are leased out to an international operator while a permanent berth is built.
The government has floated the idea of leasing the ships out ahead of the 2027 completion of berth infrastructure to accommodate the new vessels in Devonport.
Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner told Parliament on Wednesday that “multiple sources” had informed him a lease arrangement could void the ship’s manufacturer’s warranty.
“Given these ships represent $880 million worth of taxpayers’ money, it raises serious issues,” he said.
“Not only would we be receiving second-hand ships back, but we could also forfeit critical warranty protection.”
Minister Abetz said he understood the warranty would still stand.
“My advice is that leasing the vessels would in no way compromise the warranty,” he said.
“But you can be assured that in relation to any lease agreement that we may, underline may, enter into, we’ll ensure that the vessels are protected including the warranty aspect of the vessels.”
“Part of the warranty as well is that the vessels have to continue to be operational, so engines need to keep running, etc… and so that is why the opportunity to lease the vessels is something that is being actively explored.”
“Whether or not we’ll be able to achieve that remains to be seen, but the Honourable Member can be assured that anything we do will not prejudice the warranty.”
