Spirit of Tasmania IV has embarked on the home stretch of its 14,857-nautical-mile delivery voyage from Scotland.
The brand-new ferry left Port Louis in Mauritius last night and is now cruising across the Indian Ocean, headed for Fremantle.
After arriving in Australia, it will clear mandatory customs and immigration checks before making its way to Hobart.
The vessel has been sailing solo for the past five weeks, setting off from Scotland on June 30 and stopping at Gibraltar, Cape Verde and Cape Town along the way.
Its departure was held up earlier by technical issues with its liquefied natural gas system and rough weather.
Once it reaches Fremantle, the ferry will stay for four days before beginning the final stretch to Tasmania.
It is expected to dock in Hobart by the end of the month.
The vessel will replace the ageing Spirit of Tasmania vessels currently sailing the Bass Strait between Geelong and Devonport.
