Ferry operator TT-Line has confirmed that technical tweaks are underway on both new Spirit of Tasmania vessels to fix issues with their liquefied natural gas (LNG) systems.
On Thursday, TT-Line said shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions had “successfully rectified” an issue with the LNG system on Spirit of Tasmania V.
The fix has already been tested at the shipyard in Rauma and during sea trials. The same modification will now be made to Spirit of Tasmania IV “in the coming days”.
Once the work on Spirit IV is finished, the ship will undergo testing during a port trial.
If the modification proves successful, a multi-day sea trial is then planned before the ship eventually sets sail for Tasmania.
TT-Line has not revealed exactly what the technical problem was or how it was fixed.
Spirit IV is currently in Scotland. It was delivered to TT-Line back in September but hasn’t been able to enter service due to ongoing infrastructure delays at Devonport.
The LNG fix is the latest hiccup for the long-delayed ferry project, which has already been set back by issues with port upgrades.
The new berth needed to accommodate the larger vessels isn’t expected to be ready until late next year or possibly early 2027.
Spirit V is still at the Finnish shipyard and is expected to be delivered to TT-Line in the coming weeks.
