The first of two brand-new Spirit of Tasmania ferries is about to leave its construction place in Finland, but not for Tasmania.
Instead, the vessel will be relocated to Scotland due to concerns over ice conditions in the Baltic Sea.
The ferry is currently docked in Rauma, Finland, following the completion of construction earlier this month.
TT-Line chief executive Bernard Dwyer said the vessel is moving as it is “not designed for the extremely low ambient temperatures anticipated” in the region.
“With ice pack conditions expected towards the end of November, there are potential operational risks for Spirit of Tasmania IV,” he said.
“To ensure the vessel’s safety and preservation, we will temporarily relocate it to Leith, Scotland, where conditions are more suitable.”
The move will not impact the construction timeline of the second new vessel, Spirit of Tasmania V, Dwyer said.
He did not say why the ferry was not coming to Tasmania or how long it would spend in Scotland.
Last week, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirmed TT-Line would explore options to lease or charter the first new vessel while delayed works to build suitable berths in Devonport are undertaken.
Dwyer said they were continuing to “explore opportunities” as the ship is moved.
