The man who sailed both new Spirit of Tasmania vessels halfway around the world says they are unlike any ships he has commanded in three decades as a deep-sea captain.
Captain Bob Moss delivered Spirit of Tasmania IV and V from Scotland to Australia, navigating swells of up to seven metres in the Indian and Atlantic oceans on the way.
“Both vessels are extremely powerful and wonderfully manoeuvrable,” Moss said.
“Even in 44-knot winds, you can still move them very precisely. They not only have very powerful bow and stern thrusters but infinitely adjustable thrust control using the main engines.”
Moss spent 30 years on international trading vessels, most recently working on LNG tankers for BHP Shell before finishing up in April 2024.
After spotting Spirit of Tasmania IV on the BBC from his home in the UK, he contacted TT-Line to offer his services.
“After bringing Spirit of Tasmania IV out from Leith to Fremantle, I was more than happy to fly back to Europe for the Spirit of Tasmania V trip,” he said.
Moss said the ships’ stabilisers held steady through conditions far rougher than anything Bass Strait typically delivers.
“You very rarely get those conditions on Bass Strait, so they are going to be very comfortable on the run,” he said.
He left Scotland in March, just a week ahead of a freeze that pushed temperatures to minus-15 degrees.
The voyages, he said, were smooth in every sense.
“We brought the ships from one side of the world to the other without incident and with complete harmony on board – basically an enjoyable voyage for all concerned,” Moss said.
“I always say that a happy ship is a safe ship.”
Moss was also struck by the passenger spaces, particularly Deck 8, which runs the full length of each vessel.
“It is like being in a shopping mall for the full length of the ship, which is unique,” he said.
The new ferries will increase passenger and freight capacity across Bass Strait by around 50% and are scheduled to begin first sailings in October 2026.
