The Scottish Government is reportedly in advanced negotiations to lease the first new Spirit of Tasmania ferry to house Ukrainian refugees, Pulse understands.
Spirit IV, which arrived at Scotland’s Port of Leith in late 2024, would replace the MS Victoria that previously accommodated displaced Ukrainians.
The Tasmanian Government and state-owned ferry operator TT-Line are currently in lease negotiations, with an official announcement expected tomorrow.
The Scottish Government had relied on the MS Victoria vessel since late 2022 to house Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war with Russia.
According to January 2024 data, the ship provided accommodation for 1,319 displaced Ukrainians during its approximately one-year deployment.
The MS Victoria operation cost approximately $45.2 million (£22.5 million) each month.
While the potential cost to lease Spirit IV remains undisclosed, the vessel offers significantly less capacity with 301 cabins compared to the MS Victoria’s 739.
When contacted by Pulse, a Tasmanian Government spokesperson declined to confirm whether any agreement had been reached.
“Any discussion around the details of a possible agreement is premature and could impact on negotiations,” the spokesperson told Pulse.
“We have been clear that we are seeking to secure a lease agreement that provides the best value for Tasmanian taxpayers.”
“If this does not eventuate, the ship will be relocated to Tasmania.”
Tasmania’s Labor leader Dean Winter has long been critical of any arrangement, arguing that Premier Jeremy Rockliff should never have explored any leasing options.
“It’s beyond time the Premier brought Spirit IV home so she’s safe, we can complete the local fit out and get her ready for service,” Winter said.
“He also needs to commit to doing the same with Spirit V once she is built and end his leasing farce once and for all.”
