The first new Spirit of Tasmania ship has arrived in Devonport to a long-awaited welcome this morning after its first public crossing of Bass Strait, completing a project Premier Jeremy Rockliff says “certainly had its challenges”.
The ship sailed into the Mersey River this morning after leaving Geelong last night with its first paying passengers on board.
Rockliff, who was among those who made the crossing, described the arrival as “a dawn to a new era”.
The premier said the project had faced “troubled waters” but the government had “stayed the course”.
“All major projects have their issues and this one certainly had its challenges,” he said.
“We’ve got here and some very capable people picked up the mantle and got it done.”
He thanked TT-Line’s new board, chief executive Chris Carbone and the crew, who he said were proud and excited after the move from the old ships.
Speaking to Pulse this morning, Carbone said passenger feedback had been “really amazing”, with many people commenting on the Tasmanian artwork and the size of the ship.
He described the mood on board overnight as an “absolute party atmosphere”.
“The crew were just so excited to see everyone being so happy and celebrating that inaugural voyage.”
“I’m sure there’s a few sore heads floating around the ship this morning.”
Carbone said his tenure with the state owned company over the last 18-months has been a “recovery job” but said he was proud of his team for reaching this point.
“Everyone’s pulled together and pulled off what we achieved last night and every night from here on. So yeah,
“Smooth sailing ahead.”
Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said the arrival was “a pretty iconic moment”.
He said around 70 motorbikes and many caravans were on board and some passengers planned to tour the state for up to three months.
Andrew, a truck driver returning home to Sheffield, said the trip was “absolutely fantastic” and the new ship was much bigger and wider than the old one.
“Tad rocky, but nothing more than normal for the Bass Strait,” he told Pulse.
The new ships entered service years later than planned after delays and cost blowouts.
Last week, TT-Line reported a $723 million loss for 2025-26, including a $368 million write-down on the value of the vessels.
