The first new Spirit of Tasmania ferry has docked in Scotland, where it could remain for at least two years.
Spirit IV arrived at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh overnight, having sailed from the Rauma shipyard in Finland where it was built.
The ferry is one of two new vessels that were intended to replace the ageing Spirits currently operating on the Bass Strait between the mainland and the island by now.
Instead, it won’t head to Tasmania until at least 2027, due to the late completion of required berth infrastructure in Devonport.
Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter said the decision to keep the ships 17,000km away “indefinitely” must be reviewed.
“Those two ships, if they’re both docked there in Scotland, will cost Tasmanian taxpayers around $40,000 a day,” he said.
“But the Premier can’t say exactly how much because they still haven’t signed a deal.”
“This makes no sense whatsoever. We need our ships to come home. We need to bring the ships home.”
“We need to look after them here, fit them out here with Tasmanian workers. That is the best outcome right now.”
“Jeremy Rockliff needs to chart a new course. Bring them home. Fit them out. Keep them safe.”
TT-Line is currently exploring leasing options for the new vessel.
The second ferry, Spirit of Tasmania V, is still under construction in Finland and is expected to be delivered later in the middle of next year.
